How to Install Postman on Linux

Postman is an essential tool for API development and testing, widely used by developers across different platforms. While it’s commonly associated with Windows and macOS, Postman is also available for Linux users. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of installing Postman on various Linux distributions, explore alternative options, and provide insights into using Postman effectively on Linux systems.

How to Install Postman on Linux

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Is there a Postman for Linux?

Yes, Postman is available for Linux users. The application supports various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian. Postman provides a native desktop application for Linux, ensuring that developers can enjoy the full range of features and functionalities offered by the tool.

Postman Download and Installation Methods

There are several ways to install Postman on Linux systems. We’ll cover the most common and efficient methods:

Method 1: Using Snap Package Manager

Snap is a universal package manager that works across many Linux distributions. It’s pre-installed on Ubuntu and can be easily installed on other distributions.

Step 1. Open your terminal.

Step 2. Update your system packages:

sudo apt update

Step 3. Install Postman using Snap:

sudo snap install postman

This method is straightforward and ensures you always have the latest version of Postman, as Snap manages updates automatically.

Method 2: Using the Official Postman Linux Package

Step 1. Visit the official Postman website (https://www.postman.com/downloads/).

Step 2. Click on the Linux download button to get the latest version.

Step 3. Once downloaded, extract the tarball:

tar -xzf postman-linux-x64.tar.gz

Step 4. Move the extracted folder to the /opt directory:

sudo mv Postman /opt

Step 5. Create a symbolic link to make Postman accessible from the command line:

sudo ln -s /opt/Postman/Postman /usr/bin/postman

Method 3: Using Flatpak

Flatpak is another universal package management system that works across different Linux distributions.

Step 1. Install Flatpak if it’s not already on your system:

sudo apt install flatpak

Step 2. Add the Flathub repository:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub <https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo>

Step 3. Install Postman:

flatpak install flathub com.getpostman.Postman

How to Install Postman on Ubuntu Linux

For Ubuntu users, the Snap method is often the most convenient:

Step 1. Open the terminal. Run the following command:

sudo snap install postman

This will install Postman and create a desktop icon for easy access.

How to Run Postman Linux Command Line

While Postman primarily offers a graphical user interface, you can also use it from the command line for certain operations:

Step 1. To launch Postman from the terminal:

postman

Step 2. To run Postman collections using Newman (Postman’s command-line collection runner):

npm install -g newman newman run your_collection.json

Where to Find Postman Linux GitHub

For developers who prefer to stay close to the source, Postman’s GitHub repository can be a valuable resource. While Postman itself is not open-source, they maintain several open-source projects and tools that integrate with Postman:

• Visit https://github.com/postmanlabs to explore Postman’s open-source projects.
• You can find various Postman-related tools, libraries, and documentation here.

Where to Find Postman Online

If you prefer not to install Postman locally, or if you’re using a Linux distribution where installation is challenging, you can use Postman’s web version:

1. Visit https://go.postman.co/home
2. Sign in or create a new account.
3. Start using Postman directly in your web browser.

The web version offers most of the features available in the desktop application, making it a viable alternative for Linux users.

What is the Linux Equivalent of Postman?

While Postman is available for Linux, some users might prefer alternatives. One notable option is Apidog:

What is Postman Ubuntu?

“Postman Ubuntu” typically refers to the version of Postman designed to run on Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions. It’s not a separate product but rather the standard Postman application optimized for Ubuntu systems.

When installing Postman on Ubuntu, you benefit from:

• Native integration with Ubuntu’s package management system (when using Snap).
• Optimized performance for Ubuntu’s environment.
• Easy updates and maintenance through Ubuntu’s software center or command-line tools.

How to Use Postman in Linux CLI?

While Postman is primarily a GUI application, you can leverage its functionality in the command line using Newman, Postman’s command-line collection runner:

Step 1. Install Newman globally using npm:

npm install -g newman

Step 2. Export your Postman collection as a JSON file. Run your collection using Newman:

newman run your_collection.json

Step 3. For environment variables, export your environment and use:

newman run your_collection.json -e your_environment.json

Step 4. Generate detailed HTML reports:

newman run your_collection.json -r html

Using Newman allows you to integrate Postman collections into your CI/CD pipelines and automate API testing processes directly from the Linux command line.

Tips for Using Postman on Linux

1. Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn Postman’s keyboard shortcuts to navigate efficiently. Most shortcuts work the same way on Linux as they do on other platforms.
2. Workspace Organization: Utilize Postman’s workspace feature to organize your API projects effectively.
3. Version Control: Use Postman’s built-in version control features or integrate with Git for better management of your API collections.
4. Environment Variables: Leverage environment variables to switch between development, staging, and production APIs easily.
5. Automated Testing: Set up automated tests using Postman’s testing scripts to ensure API reliability.
6. Performance Testing: Use Postman to conduct basic performance tests on your APIs.
7. API Documentation: Take advantage of Postman’s documentation features to create comprehensive API documentation.

Conclusion

Installing and using Postman on Linux is a straightforward process that opens up a world of API development and testing possibilities. Whether you choose to install via Snap, use the official package, or opt for alternatives like Apidog, Linux users have multiple options to integrate powerful API tools into their workflow.

By understanding the installation process, command-line capabilities, and best practices for using Postman on Linux, developers can significantly enhance their API development experience. As the API landscape continues to evolve, tools like Postman and its alternatives remain crucial for efficient, collaborative, and robust API development across all platforms, including Linux.