For years, API testing has mostly been done through graphical tools. They're great for exploring APIs, but they become harder to manage as projects grow and automation becomes a priority.
Lately, we've been moving more of our API testing into the command line, and the workflow has been much easier to automate.
One tool we've been evaluating is Apidog CLI.
Why use a CLI instead of a GUI?
Running API tests from the command line offers several advantages:
Easy integration with CI/CD pipelines
Repeatable test execution
Better support for automation
Consistent testing across multiple environments
Faster feedback during deployments
Instead of opening a desktop application, tests become part of your build process.
Getting Started
Install Apidog CLI and verify the installation:
apidog --version
Authenticate:
apidog login
Run your API tests:
apidog run
Once everything is working locally, the same commands can be executed inside GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins, or other automation platforms.
Where It Fits Best
We've found this approach particularly useful for:
OpenAPI-based projects
Microservices
Team environments with multiple APIs
Automated deployment pipelines
Keeping API validation in the same workflow as builds and deployments helps catch issues much earlier.
Final Thoughts
Moving API testing from a GUI into a CLI workflow has made our automation process much cleaner.
We're currently evaluating Apidog CLI because it combines command-line execution, environment management, and API testing in a way that fits modern development workflows.
I'm curious how other teams are approaching API testing in 2026. Are you relying on CLI tools, GUI tools, or a combination of both?
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