Software Alternatives & Startups

RESTClient VS HTTPie

Compare RESTClient VS HTTPie and see what are their differences

RESTClient

RESTClient can be used to test variety of HTTP communications and RESTful webservices.

Rating
0 reviews
HTTPie

CLI HTTP that will make you smile. JSON support, syntax highlighting, wget-like downloads, extensions, and more.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, HTTPie seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 57 times since March 2021.

social mentions
0 vs 57
API Tools popularity
15% vs 85%
alternatives listed
42 vs 36

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

RESTClient
HTTPie
Website github.com httpie.io
Pricing —
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

RESTClient 5 features
HTTPie 6 features
  • User-Friendly Interface
    RESTClient offers a straightforward and intuitive interface that makes it easy for developers to craft HTTP requests and read responses without unnecessary complexity.
  • Support for Multiple HTTP Methods
    The tool supports a wide range of HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, and more, making it versatile for testing various API endpoints.
  • Customizable Headers and Body
    Users can customize HTTP headers and request bodies, allowing for detailed and precise API testing.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, RESTClient is free to use and can be modified to suit specific user needs. It also benefits from community improvements and updates.
  • Support for Authentication
    The tool includes support for various authentication methods, including Basic and OAuth, which is essential for testing secured APIs.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Compared to some other HTTP clients, RESTClient may lack certain advanced features like scripting or automated testing capabilities.
  • GUI Dependent
    As it's primarily a GUI-based tool, it's less suitable for users looking for a command-line interface (CLI) solution for automated testing or integration into CI/CD pipelines.
  • Platform Specific
    Being a Java-based application, it requires a Java Runtime Environment, which might not be ideal for every user or scenario.
  • Limited Community Support
    Compared to more popular tools, RESTClient might have less community support, which can lead to delays in getting help or updates.
  • User-Friendly Syntax
    HTTPie offers a simplified and intuitive syntax for making HTTP requests compared to tools like curl. This makes it easier to use, especially for beginners.
  • JSON Support
    HTTPie automatically handles JSON data, making it simple to send and receive JSON payloads. It formats JSON responses in a readable way.
  • Cross-Platform
    HTTPie can be used on multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring broad compatibility.
  • Plugin Support
    HTTPie supports extensions and plugins that can extend its functionality, offering users the ability to customize their experience.
  • Automatic Headers
    Certain headers are automatically generated by HTTPie, reducing the need to manually specify common headers like Content-Type.
  • Color-coded Output
    The tool offers color-coded and formatted output, making it easier to read and debug HTTP responses.

Possible disadvantages

  • Performance
    HTTPie's performance may be slower compared to more stripped-down tools like curl due to its additional features and user-friendly design.
  • Dependency on Python
    HTTPie is a Python-based tool, requiring users to have Python installed. This may add complexity for users who do not already have a Python environment set up.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic usage is straightforward, getting the most out of HTTPie's advanced features may require additional learning.
  • Not Pre-Installed
    Unlike curl, HTTPie is not pre-installed on most Unix-based systems, requiring an extra step for installation.
  • Limited Raw Socket Options
    HTTPie lacks some low-level networking capabilities and raw socket options available in other tools, limiting its functionality for some advanced use cases.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

RESTClient
HTTPie

No analysis of RESTClient yet.

Overall verdict

  • HTTPie is highly regarded by developers for its ease of use and powerful capabilities when dealing with APIs and web services. Its design focuses on making the command-line experience as seamless and productive as possible, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced developers.

Why this product is good

  • HTTPie is popular due to its user-friendly command-line interface which simplifies making HTTP requests. It provides a more readable output compared to traditional tools like curl, highlighting syntax and formatting JSON responses nicely. It also supports plugins, which extend its functionality, and includes features like HTTPS by default, persistent sessions, and intuitive URL parsing.

Recommended for

  • Developers who frequently interact with RESTful APIs and require an efficient tool for testing and debugging.
  • Users who prefer a clean and human-friendly command-line interface.
  • Those who need a flexible tool that can be extended with plugins to suit specific needs.
  • Anyone looking for an alternative to curl with an emphasis on simplicity and readability.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

RESTClient 0 videos + Add
HTTPie 2 videos + Add

No RESTClient videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Testing REST APIs con HTTPie y Postman

More videos

  • - Testing REST APIs con HTTPie y Postman - Parte 3

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
RESTClient
HTTPie
15% 15%
85% 85%
100% 100%
0% 0%
6% 6%
CLI
94% 94%
17% 17%
83% 83%

User comments

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

RESTClient no reviews yet
HTTPie no reviews yet

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

RESTClient 0 mentions
HTTPie 57 mentions

Tracking RESTClient since Mar 2021.

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Alternatives to RESTClient and HTTPie

When comparing RESTClient and HTTPie, you can also consider the following products.