As the demand for API testing grows, Postman has been the preferred tool for many developers. However, as it develops, users have been facing inconveniences. Recently, users have complained about performance issues with Postman. Some report delays of up to five minutes when launching the application, which sometimes fails to run. Additionally, there have been reports of memory issues that degrade computer performance and the overall user experience.
Moreover, the limitations of the free version's collection runner and the increasing prices of its paid plans have led independent freelancers and small teams to seek alternatives. This is where Thunder Client has emerged as a strong contender.
What Exactly is Thunder Client?
Thunder Client is an intuitive, lightweight Graphical User Interface (GUI) extension for REST API testing, integrated right into Visual Studio Code. Its user-friendly and lightweight attributes have rapidly earned it recognition in the API testing field, making it a competitive alternative to the likes of Postman.
Features of Thunder Client:
- Light and Simplistic Interface: Browse through REST APIs smoothly with Thunder Client's minimalistic approach. The straightforward interface guarantees a hassle-free testing journey.
- Support for Environments and Collections: Manage APIs with ease using the support for Collections. Apply Environment Variables to make your API tests adaptable and customizable.
- Ability to Handle GraphQL Queries: Compose and execute GraphQL queries effortlessly within Thunder Client. Simplify testing for both GraphQL and traditional REST APIs.
- Script-free Testing: Confirm API responses with ease using a GUI-based approach. Ditch complex scripting – Thunder Client simplifies the process for developers at all experience levels.
- Local Data Storage: Rest assured that your API request data is safely stored locally on your device. Quickly access your request history without the dependency on external servers.
How to Employ Thunder Client for API Testing?
1、Installing Thunder Client: Locate and install the Thunder Client extension within Visual Studio Code.
2、Generating a New Request: Once installed, open a new or existing project in Visual Studio Code. Click the Thunder icon in the sidebar to initiate a new request.
3、Setting Up Request Details: Thunder Client provides a form to set up your HTTP request details within its interface.
4、Selecting a Request Method: Choose the request method (GET, POST, PUT, etc.). Fill in the necessary URL, headers, parameters, and request body.
5、Dispatching the Request: Hit the "Send Request" button to dispatch the configured request to the designated API endpoint.
6、Reviewing the Response: Thunder Client presents the server's response details, including headers, status code, and the body of the response.
Advantages and Drawbacks of Thunder Client
Thunder Client is a robust API testing extension for Visual Studio Code, which has a set of strengths and limitations that developers ought to consider. Understanding these can provide better insight into how well it fits various testing scenarios.
Advantages of Thunder Client:
- A Swift API Client: Thunder Client is renowned for its quick setup and response retrieval for API requests, especially convenient for local API testing without an internet connection.
- User-Friendly Design: The extension offers an easy-to-use interface that simplifies the testing workflow. This simplicity is a significant boon for those who appreciate a less cluttered alternative to comprehensive tools like Postman.
- Competent API Request Processing: Thunder Client is capable of efficiently managing numerous API requests, ensuring Visual Studio Code's performance remains unaffected.
- Consistent with Visual Studio Code Themes: Its integration with Visual Studio Code themes provides a consistent and visually appealing testing environment.
- Rich Set of Features: Thunder Client isn't just fast; it supports collections, environment variables, GraphQL, and test scripts, incorporating elements found in more advanced tools such as Postman.
Drawbacks of Thunder Client:
- Limited Advanced Features: Thunder Client may not offer certain advanced features necessary for larger or more complex projects, making it more suitable for smaller teams with straightforward needs.
- Reliance on Visual Studio Code: Its effectiveness hinges on Visual Studio Code, which might limit its appeal to those who prefer different development setups.
- Learning Curve for Experienced Users: Users who are accustomed to feature-rich tools may face a learning curve or miss certain functionalities with Thunder Client.
Can Thunder Client Take Postman's Place?
The answer is not cut and dry. Thunder Client serves well for basic API testing requirements but falls short on some of Postman's advanced features like proxy configuration and variable-based scripting. Thus, for complex API processes, Postman continues to hold its own.
However, for simple and direct API testing tasks, Thunder Client shines! Its seamless collaboration within Visual Studio Code renders it incredibly convenient for spontaneous testing.
What is Thunder Client's Alternative?
While Thunder Client streamlines basic testing, those responsible for managing the full API lifecycle might derive greater value from an end-to-end platform like Apidog. Boasting capabilities that encompass documentation, mocking, testing, and monitoring, Apidog enables teams to engage in true API-first development, removing the need to switch between multiple applications. An integrated platform like Apidog paves the way for more sophisticated and efficient API workflows.
For instance, Thunder Client offers scant support for variables and scripting. Apidog, in contrast, permits the writing of pre-request and test scripts that define variables, concatenate requests, and implement intricate logic. This proves invaluable for emulating real-world API usage patterns. Thunder Client is restricted to utilizing environment variables for scripting only.
Moreover, Apidog grants advanced control over proxy settings, SSL certificates, cookies, and more. Thunder Client provides simple proxy configurations, essentially just allowing you to specify a URL. Apidog excels in providing fine-grained controls necessary for intricate authentication schemes, diagnosing connectivity issues, and more.
While Thunder Client proves beneficial for impromptu testing during development, it meets its limits when it comes to advanced, corporate-grade API testing needs. When faced with diversified authentication mechanisms, conditional workflows, mock servers, and comprehensive test automation, Apidog emerges as the superior solution.
Top comments (1)
Postman also has its own vscode extension that might be useful too:
marketplace.visualstudio.com/items...