Stop Using Postman! .http Files Let You Test APIs Directly in Your IDE 🚀

If you’re still using Postman or other standalone API clients, it’s time to rethink your workflow. Why switch between your IDE and external tools when you can test APIs directly in your coding environment? Enter .http files — a lightweight, efficient way to send HTTP requests and debug APIs without leaving your IDE. And for JetBrains IDEA users, there’s an even better solution: Apidog Fast Request, a free plugin that takes API testing to the next level.

In this article, we’ll explore why .http files are a game-changer, how to use them, and why Apidog Fast Request is the ultimate tool for developers who want to streamline their API testing workflow.

Why Ditch Postman for .http Files?

Postman has been a go-to tool for API testing for years, but it comes with some downsides:

• Context Switching: Jumping between your IDE and Postman disrupts your workflow.
• Limited Collaboration: Sharing Postman collections can be clunky, and version control is often an afterthought.
• External Dependency: Postman is a separate application, which means more resources and more distractions.

.http files solve these problems by bringing API testing directly into your IDE. Here’s why they’re better:

1. No More Context Switching

With .http files, you can write, test, and debug APIs without leaving your IDE. Whether you’re using Visual Studio Code (with the REST Client extension) or JetBrains IDEA, everything happens in one place.

2. Version Control and Collaboration

.http files are plain text, so they can be easily shared and version-controlled using Git. This makes collaboration seamless:

• Consistency: Everyone on the team uses the same API requests.
• Traceability: Changes to API requests are tracked in version history.

3. Lightweight and Efficient

Unlike Postman, .http files don’t require a separate application. They’re lightweight, fast, and integrated into your development environment.

How to Use .http Files

Using .http files is simple. Here’s an example of a .http file that interacts with a Product API:

@baseUrl = https://api.example.com/v1
### Get all products
GET {{baseUrl}}/products
Accept: application/json
### Create a new product
POST {{baseUrl}}/products
Content-Type: application/json
{
  "name": "Wireless Mouse",
  "price": 29.99,
  "category": "Electronics"
}

Key Features of .http Files

• Variables: Define reusable values like @baseUrl or @apiKey.
• Dynamic Variables: Use placeholders like {{$guid}} or {{$timestamp}} for testing.
• Authentication: Easily include headers like Authorization: Bearer {{token}}.

Apidog Fast Request: The Ultimate Alternative for JetBrains IDEA

While .http files are great, Apidog Fast Request takes API testing to the next level for JetBrains IDEA users. This free plugin integrates seamlessly into your IDE and offers advanced features that make API testing faster and more efficient.

Why Choose Apidog Fast Request?

• Auto-Detect Endpoints: Automatically detects endpoints in Java/Kotlin projects, eliminating the need to manually write requests.
• One-Click Testing: Send requests and view responses with a single click.
• Advanced Debugging: Features like automatic parameter filling and response parsing make debugging effortless.
• API Documentation: Generate OpenAPI specifications and publish documentation with ease.

How Apidog Fast Request Works

1. Install the Plugin: Download Apidog Fast Request from the JetBrains Marketplace and install it in IntelliJ IDEA.

2. Auto-Detect Endpoints: The plugin scans your project and lists all endpoints in a clear, organized structure.

3. Test with One Click: Click on any endpoint to send a request and view the response instantly.

4. Generate API Documentation: Upload your API specifications to Apidog with a single click and publish professional documentation online.

Setting Up .http Files in Your IDE

Visual Studio Code

1. Install the REST Client Extension: Go to the Extensions Marketplace, search for “REST Client,” and install it.
2. Create a .http File: Open a new file, save it with a .http extension, and start writing your requests.
3. Send Requests: Click the “Send Request” link above each request to execute it and view the response.

JetBrains IDEs (Rider, WebStorm, etc.)

1. Open a New Scratch File: Go to File > New > Scratch File and select “HTTP Request.”
2. Write Your Requests: Use the same syntax as in VSCode. You can also define environment variables in a separate file or directly in the .http file.
3. Advanced Features: JetBrains IDEs offer environment selectors, response handling scripts, and more.

Why Apidog Fast Request is the Ultimate Solution

While .http files are a great starting point, Apidog Fast Request takes API testing to the next level. Here’s why it’s the ultimate solution for developers:

1. Seamless Integration: Works directly within IntelliJ IDEA, eliminating the need to switch between tools.
2. Auto-Detect Endpoints: Automatically detects and lists endpoints in your Java/Kotlin projects.
3. One-Click Testing: Send requests and view responses with a single click.
4. Advanced Debugging: Features like automatic parameter filling and response parsing make debugging effortless.
5. API Documentation: Generate OpenAPI specifications and publish documentation with ease.

Conclusion

If you’re still using Postman, it’s time to make the switch. .http files let you test APIs directly in your IDE, saving you time and streamlining your workflow. And for JetBrains IDEA users, Apidog Fast Request offers an even more powerful and seamless experience.

Ready to take your API testing to the next level? Try Apidog Fast Request today and experience the ultimate in productivity and efficiency. Download it from the JetBrains Marketplace and start streamlining your API workflows!