Web Development 2024

API Client - Postman Alternative

Building a Modern REST API Testing Tool

Client
Personal Project
Role
Full Stack Developer
Duration
2 weeks
Year
2024

Overview

Developed a comprehensive REST API testing tool that rivals Postman, featuring a modern interface, support for all HTTP methods, and seamless integration with both internal and external APIs.

The Challenge

Existing API testing tools were either too complex, required installation, or lacked the flexibility needed for quick API testing. There was a need for a lightweight, browser-based solution that could handle both simple and complex API requests.

The Solution

Built a Postman-like interface using vanilla JavaScript and PHP, implementing a dual-mode system that handles both internal portfolio APIs and external API requests through a secure proxy. The solution includes request history, custom headers, body management, and beautiful response formatting.

Technologies Used

PHP JavaScript cURL REST API Tailwind CSS

Key Features

  • Support for GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, PATCH methods
  • Custom headers and body management
  • Request history with localStorage persistence
  • Beautiful JSON response formatting
  • Internal and external API routing
  • Error handling for non-JSON responses
  • Custom notification system
  • Theme-aware design (dark/light mode)

Results & Impact

  • 100% browser-based - no installation required
  • Seamless integration with portfolio APIs
  • Professional Postman-like interface
  • Fast response times with optimized cURL handling

Lessons Learned

  • Importance of proper error handling for external APIs
  • Value of localStorage for client-side persistence
  • Benefits of a dual-mode API system