API Tester CLI Tool

intermediate

A command-line HTTP client for testing REST APIs with request collections, environment variables, response assertions, and performance timing. Supports JSON and form data, authentication headers, a...

Target user

Backend developers and QA engineers who test APIs from terminal

Problem

Backend developers need a fast CLI tool for API testing with saved requests, environment variables, and assertions without switching to GUI tools like Postman during development.

Requirements

Send HTTP requests with all methods and headers
Save and load request collections
Environment variable substitution
Response assertions and status checks
Export test results as report

Core technologies

Node.js, TypeScript, fetch

Completion criteria

Users can send HTTP requests, manage collections with environments, assert responses, and export test reports from the command line.

Optional extensions

Add GraphQL request support
Implement request chaining
Add load testing mode
Support WebSocket testing

Project phases

Phase 1: Phase 1: HTTP Client

Tasks: Set up CLI framework, Implement HTTP request sending, Add support for all HTTP methods, Handle JSON and form data bodies

Phase 2: Phase 2: Collections and Environments

Tasks: Implement request collection storage, Add environment variable management, Build variable substitution in requests, Create collection runner

Phase 3: Phase 3: Assertions and Reports

Tasks: Implement response assertions, Add status code and body checks, Create test report export, Add performance timing