The Best Free Alternative to IntelliJ HTTP Client

The IntelliJ HTTP client is an excellent tool integrated into IntelliJ IDEA, enabling developers to manage and test APIs directly within the IDE. However, it is only available in the paid Ultimate Edition of IntelliJ IDEA, creating a barrier for developers using the free Community Edition or those seeking cost-free solutions.

Why Developers Seek Alternatives:

• Cost: The HTTP client is unavailable in the Community Edition, limiting its accessibility.
• Limited Features: The built-in client may not offer the advanced features needed for complex workflows.
• Customization: Alternative tools often provide more flexibility and customizability.
• Accessibility: Free tools are accessible to a wider team, eliminating the need for additional licenses and fostering better collaboration.

Enter Apidog Fast Request, a free, feature-rich plugin designed to address these challenges while enhancing productivity for developers.

Apidog Fast Request: A Free Plugin for IntelliJ IDEA

Apidog Fast Request is a powerful plugin for IntelliJ IDEA, designed to improve the process of API development, testing, and documentation. This free tool provides a suite of advanced features that enhance the basic HTTP client capabilities, all integrated seamlessly within the IDE.

Key Benefits of Apidog Fast Request:

• Free for all users, including those on IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition.
• Develop and debug APIs without switching between tools.
• Automatically detect endpoints and generate OpenAPI specifications, reducing manual work.
• Streamline API workflows with advanced testing tools.
• Regular updates to meet the evolving needs of developers.

Apidog Fast Request is available for download on the JetBrains Marketplace, making it easy for developers to integrate into their setup.

Key Features of Apidog Fast Request

1. API Debugging

Apidog Fast Request enhances API debugging with time-saving features:

• One-Click Endpoint Detection: Automatically detects endpoints in Java/Kotlin projects and allows instant request sending without switching to external tools like Postman.
• Auto-Filled Request Parameters: Automatically detects Spring framework code, suggesting and filling in parameters to reduce manual errors.
• Parsing Responses: Automatically formats responses (JSON, XML, Gzip, Brotli) for easier reading.
• Request History: Logs URLs, request parameters, and responses for easy review.
• Global Parameters Management: Streamlines handling of shared headers or tokens.
• Cookie Management: Manages cookies for seamless testing and debugging.

2. API Specification

• OpenAPI Spec Generation: Effortlessly generate OpenAPI specs without modifying the code or adding annotations.
• Automatic Framework Parsing: Detects and processes code from frameworks like Spring and Quarkus, including RESTful annotations.
• Customizable Configurations: Tailor settings to your coding style while minimizing workflow disruptions.

3. API Documentation

• One-Click Upload: Upload your API specifications to Apidog with a single click.
• Effortless Publishing: Publish API documentation online with customizable options such as themes, domains, and access controls.
• Versatile Documentation Formats: Supports OpenAPI specifications with plans for HTML and Markdown export in the future.

How to Get Started with Apidog Fast Request

Step 1: Install the Plugin

• Open IntelliJ IDEA and go to File > Settings > Plugins.
• Search for “Apidog Fast Request” and click “Install.”
• Alternatively, download it from the JetBrains Marketplace.

Step 2: Auto-Detect API Endpoints

• Apidog Fast Request will scan your project, listing detected endpoints with a clear folder structure.
• Test each endpoint and view formatted responses for debugging.

Step 3: Test APIs with One Click

• The plugin automatically populates parameters for faster testing.
• Configure environments, global parameters, and manage cookies and request history in the plugin interface.

Step 4: Upload API Specification to Apidog (Optional)

• Download Apidog, sign up, and retrieve your API access token.

• Paste the token into the plugin settings in IntelliJ IDEA and upload your API specifications.

Step 5: Publish API Documentation (Optional)

• Publish your API documentation online directly from the Apidog dashboard, creating a link to share with your team or external collaborators.

Conclusion

Apidog Fast Request is the ideal free alternative to IntelliJ HTTP Client, offering a rich set of features that streamline API development, testing, and documentation. Whether you’re using the Community or Ultimate Edition of IntelliJ IDEA, Apidog Fast Request helps you manage APIs efficiently without switching between tools or incurring additional costs. With automatic endpoint detection, OpenAPI specification generation, and integrated documentation features, Apidog Fast Request elevates your development experience and boosts productivity. Download it today from the JetBrains Marketplace and start enhancing your workflow!