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Why I Built Endpoint: A Postman Alternative That Actually Understands Developers

#api #webdev #postman #websocket

Why I Built Endpoint: A Postman Alternative That Actually Understands Developers

As a developer, I've spent countless hours testing APIs. Postman is popular, but it often falls short for real-world development workflows. Missing WebSocket support, slow performance, and a clunky interface led me to build something better.

Enter Endpoint: Built for Developers, by Developers

Endpoint is a native macOS API testing tool designed with developer experience in mind. It's not just another Postman clone—it's a tool that addresses the gaps developers face daily.

What Makes Endpoint Different?

1. Native WebSocket Support (Out of the Box)

Most API testing tools treat WebSockets as an afterthought. Endpoint includes WebSocket support:

  • Real-time connection management
  • Message history with timestamps
  • JSON formatting for WebSocket messages
  • Connection state visualization
  • Send/receive message tracking

Why this matters: Modern apps rely on WebSockets. Testing them shouldn't require separate tools or workarounds.

2. Built-in Performance Testing

Endpoint includes performance testing:

  • Load Testing: Test concurrent requests, measure response times, and identify bottlenecks
  • Response Time Analysis: Detailed timing breakdown (DNS, TCP, TLS, TTFB)
  • Concurrent Request Testing: Simulate real-world traffic patterns
  • Performance Metrics: Visual charts and statistics

Real-world use case: Before deploying an API endpoint, run a load test to ensure it handles production traffic. Endpoint makes this straightforward.

3. Developer-First UX

Drag & Drop Interface

  • Reorder requests and collections with drag & drop
  • Move requests between collections seamlessly
  • Visual feedback during drag operations

Command Palette (Cmd+P)

  • Quick navigation between requests and collections
  • Keyboard-first workflow
  • Opens requests in new tabs automatically

Environment Variables with Autocomplete

  • Type {{ in request bodies to get variable suggestions
  • Autocomplete for environment variables
  • No more typos in variable names

4. Native macOS Performance

Built with SwiftUI for macOS:

  • Faster than Electron-based alternatives
  • Native macOS integrations
  • Lower memory usage
  • Smooth animations and interactions

Feature Comparison: Endpoint vs. Postman

WebSocket Support

  • ✅ Endpoint: Native, full support with real-time message tracking
  • ❌ Postman: Limited support, requires workarounds

Performance Testing

  • ⚠️ Requires Newman CLI or external tools

Native macOS Experience

  • ✅ Endpoint: Built with SwiftUI, native performance
  • ❌ Postman: Electron-based, slower and heavier

Drag & Drop Interface

  • ✅ Endpoint: Full drag & drop for requests and collections
  • ⚠️ Postman: Limited drag & drop functionality

Command Palette

  • ✅ Endpoint: Cmd+P for quick navigation
  • ❌ Postman: No command palette

Environment Variable Autocomplete

  • ✅ Endpoint: Autocomplete suggestions when typing {{
  • ❌ Postman: Manual typing only

Free Tier

  • ✅ Endpoint: Generous free tier with core features
  • ⚠️ Postman: More limited free tier

Memory Usage

  • ✅ Endpoint: Lightweight, optimized for macOS
  • ❌ Postman: Higher memory usage (Electron)

Real-World Use Cases

1. Real-Time Application Development

When building a chat application or live dashboard, WebSocket testing is essential. Endpoint lets you:

  • Connect to WebSocket endpoints
  • Send and receive messages in real-time
  • Monitor connection state
  • Debug message formats

2. API Performance Optimization

Before deploying a new endpoint:

  • Run load tests with 1000+ concurrent requests
  • Analyze response time distributions
  • Identify slow endpoints
  • Optimize based on data

3. Team Collaboration

  • Organize requests into collections
  • Share collections via export/import
  • Use environment variables for different stages
  • Maintain consistent testing workflows

The Technical Stack

Endpoint is built with:

  • SwiftUI for native macOS UI
  • Combine for reactive programming
  • URLSession for HTTP/WebSocket connections
  • Swift for performance

This stack ensures:

  • Fast startup times
  • Low memory footprint
  • Smooth user experience
  • Native macOS feel

What's Free vs. Premium?

Free Forever:

  • All HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, PATCH)
  • WebSocket support
  • Environment Variables
  • Drag & Drop
  • Command Palette
  • Basic themes

Premium Features:

  • Export collections (JSON, Postman, Swagger)
  • Import collections (Swagger link)
  • Performance Testing
  • Premium themes
  • Priority support

The core functionality is free. Premium features are for power users who need advanced export/import capabilities.

Getting Started

  1. Download Endpoint from the Mac App Store
  2. Create your first collection
  3. Add requests and start testing
  4. Try WebSocket connections
  5. Run performance tests

Why I Built This

As a developer, I wanted a tool that:

  • Works the way I work
  • Doesn't get in my way
  • Includes features I actually need
  • Performs well on macOS

Endpoint is the result of that vision.

The Future of API Testing

The API landscape is evolving:

  • More real-time applications
  • Higher performance requirements
  • Better developer tools

Endpoint is designed to grow with these needs. We're constantly adding features based on developer feedback.

Try Endpoint Today

If you're tired of:

  • Slow, bloated API testing tools
  • Missing WebSocket support
  • Clunky interfaces
  • Performance limitations

Endpoint might be for you.

Download Endpoint and see the difference a native macOS tool can make.

What features would you like to see in an API testing tool? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Discussion

What's your experience with API testing tools? Have you tried Endpoint? Let me know in the comments!

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