HTTPie

HTTPie: API Testing Client (CLI, Desktop & Web)

HTTPie is an open-source API testing client designed to make API calls intuitive and human-friendly. It spans from the original CLI tool to a polished desktop and web experience, enabling developers to craft, test, and explore RESTful APIs with ease. The project emphasizes simplicity, readability of responses, and streamlined workflows for API consumption, testing, and automation.

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How to Use HTTPie

Command-Line Interface (CLI)

1. Install (examples):

• macOS: brew install httpie
• Windows: pip install httpie (via Python)
• Linux: apt install httpie / yum install httpie / other package managers

1. Make a simple GET request:

• http GET https://api.example.com/v1/users

1. Send data with POST:

• http POST https://api.example.com/v1/users name='Jane Doe' email='[email protected]'

1. Add headers and query params:

• http GET https://api.example.com/v1/search query=='books' Authorization:'Bearer <token>'

1. Authenticate (basic, bearer, etc.):

• http -a user:pass GET https://api.example.com/v1/secret
• http GET https://api.example.com/v1/secure Bearer:token123

1. Save or export responses for debugging or logging (depending on your environment).

Desktop/Web Interface

HTTPie for Web & Desktop provides the same intuitive API testing experience in a graphical interface. Features include traditional HTTP methods, parameter editing, and readable response rendering without leaving a GUI. Install and launch the Desktop App to perform API requests through a familiar application window, with keyboard shortcuts and visual response details.

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How it Works

• HTTPie abstracts the complexities of raw HTTP requests by offering a clean, expressive syntax for common methods (GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, etc.).
• Requests are sent to the specified endpoints, with support for headers, authentication, data payloads (JSON, form data, etc.), and query parameters.
• Responses are rendered in a readable, colorized format with status codes, headers, and body content designed for quick inspection.
• The tool supports exporting/importing configurations, path parameters, and conversion to command strings for easy reuse and sharing.

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Safety and Best Practices

• Treat sensitive tokens and credentials as secrets; avoid exposing them in shared histories or logs.
• Use HTTPS endpoints to protect data in transit.
• Respect API usage policies and rate limits when testing against live environments.

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Core Features

• Cross-platform: CLI, Desktop, and Web interfaces for HTTPie
• Simple, readable syntax for all standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, etc.)
• Rich request composition: headers, query parameters, authentication, and body payloads (JSON, form data, etc.)
• Colorized, human-friendly response output with status, headers, and body
• Export/import of request configurations and commands
• Path param support and the ability to copy requests as ready-to-run commands
• Easy integration with scripts and automation workflows
• Active community and open-source ecosystem