I got tired of bloated API clients, so I built my own

#backend #api #postman #insomnia

I was working on a project for a client building a simple API.

It was supposed to be a job, just a few endpoints and some basic testing, nothing too complicated.

So I downloaded Postman to help me with this project.

To be honest I felt really overwhelmed right from the start.

There were many features like workspaces and cloud sync and team collaboration it felt like I was using software meant for a big company with a lot of employees not something a solo developer like me would use.

I thought maybe the problem was me so I tried using Insomnia

It was a little better. Still way more complicated than I needed.

That is when I realized something

A lot of the tools we use as developers are getting more and more complicated with features that are meant for teams and companies, but, a lot of us just want something simple and fast.

So I decided to build the kind of API client I wanted to use.

I wanted it to be open-source and able to run even without an internet connection and to be focused on being simple and fast.

I did not want to make people create accounts or use it in a way or having to struggle with a lot of features that're not necessary.

I just wanted to make something that's easy to use and does not get in the way.

I have been working on this project for a while now. I finally released the first version of Flamingo v0.1.0.

The project is still in its early stages but I think the main idea is already there.

Lightweight and fast
Offline-first
Open-source
Simple UI
Focused on solo developers and small teams
Designed to stay out of your way

I am not trying to replace the tools that are already out there like Postman and Insomnia because they are good for big teams or companies, I just think there is room for tools that do one thing well.

Now I am looking for feedback from other developers who feel like me, who feel overwhelmed by the tools we use.