The Best HTTPie Alternatives for API Development and Beyond

HTTPie has long been a favorite among developers for its user-friendly command-line interface and powerful features like JSON support and syntax highlighting, offering a modern alternative to tools like cURL. However, the world of API development is vast, and many excellent HTTPie alternative tools offer unique advantages, whether you're looking for graphical interfaces, web-based solutions, or even more specialized command-line utilities. This post explores the top contenders that can streamline your workflow and enhance your API interactions.

Top HTTPie Alternatives

While HTTPie excels in its niche, a diverse range of tools can meet specific needs for different operating systems, project types, and team collaborations. Here are some of the best alternatives worth considering for your next API project.

Wget

Wget is a free and open-source command-line tool for retrieving files using HTTP(S) and FTP. It's a non-interactive utility, making it excellent for scripting, cron jobs, and environments without graphical interfaces. As an HTTPie alternative, Wget excels in simple file downloads and batch processing, available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD.

Postman

Postman is a popular and powerful tool for API development, offering a comprehensive graphical interface that goes far beyond HTTPie's command-line focus. It provides extensive functionality for creating, testing, and managing API specifications, supporting REST and SOAP APIs, CI/CD integration, and version control. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, and Chrome OS, Postman is a versatile HTTPie alternative for teams and complex API workflows.

cURL

cURL is a foundational command-line tool for transferring data with URL syntax, supporting a vast array of protocols including HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and SCP. As a free and open-source HTTPie alternative, cURL offers unparalleled flexibility and is often used for scripting complex data transfers, handling authentication, cookies, and proxies. It's available across virtually all platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD.

RESTer

RESTer is a free and open-source REST client available as a browser extension for Firefox and Chrome. It provides a convenient way to test almost any web service directly from your browser, making it a lightweight and accessible HTTPie alternative for quick API interactions and management. It supports project organization and variables for efficient testing.

getd.io

getd.io is a free, online REST API builder that works with CORS, offering a web-based Postman alternative without requiring native app downloads or browser plug-ins. This SaaS solution is ideal for developers who prefer a zero-setup environment and need to work with REST and GraphQL APIs. It's a great HTTPie alternative for its accessibility and web-based functionality.

Requester

Requester is a powerful, modern HTTP/REST client for Sublime Text, offering an expansive feature set, elegant syntax, and first-class support for API testing and test automation. As a free and open-source HTTPie alternative integrated directly into a popular text editor, it's perfect for developers who prefer an integrated development environment. It runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux.

kurly

kurly is a free and open-source command-line tool designed for transferring data from HTTP(S) servers, much like cURL. It aims to be a straightforward and ad-free HTTPie alternative for basic file transfers and downloads. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, kurly provides a simple yet effective command-line experience.

TestMace

TestMace is a comprehensive IDE for working with APIs, providing powerful features like scenarios, autocompletion, and syntax highlighting for API development. This free HTTPie alternative excels in creating tests and sharing code within a comfortable graphical environment. It's available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, offering advanced variables and environment support for web development.

rest-client

Wisdom rest-client is a free and open-source tool that supports automated testing of REST APIs, generates exquisite reports, and creates API documentation based on historical cases. As a developer-focused HTTPie alternative, it provides advanced capabilities for comprehensive API testing and documentation generation. It's available for Mac, Windows, and Linux.

The ideal HTTPie alternative depends entirely on your specific workflow, preferred interface, and project requirements. Whether you need a powerful GUI for collaborative API development, a lightweight command-line tool for scripting, or a web-based solution for accessibility, there's a perfect fit among these options. Explore these alternatives to find the one that best enhances your API development experience.