As a developer who regularly works with APIs, having a reliable and efficient API testing tool is crucial. For years, Postman has been the industry standard, but recently, I made the switch to Bruno, an open-source API client. This decision has significantly improved my workflow and addressed many pain points I experienced with Postman and similar tools like Insomnia, Httpie Desktop, and Hoppscotch. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why Bruno stands out in the crowded field of API testing tools.
The Limitations of Postman and Similar Tools
While Postman has served many developers well, it has several limitations that become more apparent as projects grow and teams expand:
- Bulky and Resource-Intensive: Postman’s performance can lag, especially with large collections.
- Closed Source: Being proprietary limits community contributions and customizations.
- Complex Pricing Model: Team collaboration features can become expensive as teams grow.
Bruno: A Game-Changer in API Testing
Bruno addresses these issues and offers several compelling advantages:
1. Collection Storage and Management
Postman:
- Saves collections as a single JSON file
- Forces use of a proprietary centralized version control system
- Non-paying users often resort to sharing giant JSON files via Slack/Drive/email
Bruno:
- Stores collections directly in a folder on your filesystem
- Uses a plain text markup language (Bru) to save API request information
- Allows use of Git or any version control system of your choice
This approach is akin to how we manage code repositories, making it more intuitive and flexible for developers.
2. Data Storage Location
Postman:
- Saves your collections in their cloud
Bruno:
- Stores collections directly on your filesystem
- Gives you full control over your data
3. API Request Handling
Postman:
- Web app makes API requests using a proprietary proxy server
- Potential security risk and loss of data control
- Reports of desktop app also using the proxy server
Bruno:
- Makes API requests directly from your computer
- Ensures you maintain control over your data
4. Online vs Offline Usage
Postman:
- Requires an internet connection for use
Bruno:
- Functions as a desktop app
- Designed for offline use
5. Team Collaboration
Postman:
- Paid team collaboration feature
- Starts at $15 per month per user (after free tier of 3 users)
Bruno:
- Free and open-source
- Use Git or any version control for collaboration
6. Collection Runs
Postman:
- Limited runs based on plan (e.g., 25 runs/month for Free and Basic plans)
Bruno:
- Unlimited collection runs
7. NPM Module Integration
Postman:
- Requires workarounds (e.g., loading from CDN, storing in collection variables)
Bruno:
- Uses package.json for npm module installation
- Allows normal requiring of modules in scripts
8. Scripting Capabilities
Postman:
- Requires scripting for post-response variable updates and tests
Bruno:
- Supports declarative scripting for post-response variable updates
- Offers declarative assertions for writing tests using simple expressions
Making the Switch
Transitioning from Postman to Bruno was surprisingly smooth. The familiar interface and intuitive design made it easy to adapt to the new tool. I particularly appreciate:
- The ability to organize my API collections in a way that aligns with my project structure
- The seamless integration with my existing version control workflow
- The freedom to work offline and maintain control over my data
Bruno the Reliance Tool
While Postman has been a reliable tool for many years, Bruno represents a significant evolution in API testing tools. Its lightweight nature, open-source philosophy, and innovative features make it an attractive alternative for developers and teams looking for more flexibility, control, and cost-effectiveness in their API testing workflow.
Key advantages of Bruno include:
- File-system based collections for easy version control
- Direct API requests without proxy servers
- Offline functionality
- Free and open-source collaboration
- Unlimited collection runs
- Easier npm module integration
- Declarative scripting and assertions
If you’re feeling constrained by your current API testing setup or looking for a more developer-friendly solution, I highly recommend giving Bruno a try. You can find more information and download Bruno at usebruno.com.
Have you made the switch to Bruno or are you considering it? I’d love to hear about your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
