Why Use Jetbrain HTTP Client When There is A Free Version

As a developer, efficient API testing is a crucial part of your daily workflow. Tools like JetBrains’ HTTP Client and Apidog Fast Request have become go-to solutions for developers seeking to test APIs directly within their IDEs. While JetBrains offers a robust HTTP client, it’s important to consider whether it’s worth using when there’s a completely free and feature-rich alternative available — Apidog Fast Request.

In this blog, we’ll explore why you might want to consider using Apidog Fast Request instead of JetBrains HTTP Client, especially when it offers all the key features you need at no cost.

Pro tip: Apidog Fast Request is Free! Get the App directly from Jetbrains IDEA Marketplace.

JetBrains HTTP Client: Good, But Not Enough?

JetBrains provides a powerful HTTP client within their IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA, allowing developers to send API requests directly from their coding environment. This functionality is useful, but there are limitations, especially for developers working with large or complex API integrations. Moreover, the HTTP client lacks advanced features that many developers rely on for debugging, automation, and seamless integration into their workflows.

For users of IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition, another key drawback is the inability to access premium features, like the HTTP client, without upgrading to a paid version of the IDE. This can lead to added costs that some developers may want to avoid.

Why Pay for API Testing Tools When Apidog Fast Request Is Free?

The good news is that Apidog Fast Request provides a feature-packed solution for API testing within your IDE — and it’s completely free. With this free plugin, you can streamline your testing, debugging, and documentation workflows, all without having to leave your IDE or pay for premium features. Let’s dive into why Apidog Fast Request is the right choice, especially when JetBrains HTTP Client comes with its limitations.

1. Completely Free for All Users

One of the biggest advantages of using Apidog Fast Request is that it’s 100% free for all developers. If you’re using IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition, which lacks access to JetBrains’ HTTP client in the free version, Apidog Fast Request is a perfect alternative. You won’t have to upgrade to a paid version to get the full range of features Apidog offers.

2. No Tool Switching Needed

With JetBrains HTTP Client, you still need to switch between different tools for testing, debugging, and documentation. Many developers find themselves using additional applications like Postman or Swagger for these tasks. Apidog Fast Request, on the other hand, lets you test, debug, and document APIs directly within your IDE, keeping your workflow smooth and uninterrupted. This eliminates the hassle of switching between tools, saving you time and enhancing your productivity.

3. Automatic Endpoint Detection

Manually entering request parameters and endpoints is a common time-consuming task in API testing. Apidog Fast Request takes care of this for you. It automatically detects endpoints in your Java or Kotlin code and populates them within your IDE. This feature can save you significant time and reduce the risk of errors — something JetBrains HTTP Client lacks in terms of automation.

4. OpenAPI Specification Generation

Generating OpenAPI specifications manually can be tedious and error-prone. Apidog Fast Request solves this by automatically generating API specifications based on your code structure. Whether you’re working with a Spring framework or a RESTful API, Apidog will create the OpenAPI specs for you without requiring you to add complex annotations or extra code. This is a massive time-saver, allowing you to focus on what matters most — writing and testing your code.

5. Real-Time Debugging with Advanced Features

API debugging can be complex, involving checking responses, managing headers, and tracking request parameters. Apidog Fast Request simplifies this by offering advanced debugging features such as:

• Automatic request parameter population: Apidog automatically detects and fills in request parameters, saving you time and reducing errors.
• Response parsing and formatting: Apidog makes it easy to view and parse responses in various formats (JSON, XML, Gzip, Brotli) in a readable format.
• Request history: The plugin stores your previous API requests, allowing you to easily backtrack and reuse them.

These features make debugging APIs more efficient and effective, all within your IDE. JetBrains HTTP Client may not offer the same level of real-time debugging, making Apidog Fast Request the superior choice.

6. Seamless Integration with Spring and Quarkus

If you’re working with popular frameworks like Spring Boot or Quarkus, Apidog Fast Request integrates seamlessly into your projects. Whether you’re developing Java or Kotlin-based applications, Apidog provides an automated and efficient testing experience that JetBrains HTTP Client doesn’t match in terms of ease of use.

Why Apidog Fast Request Is the Ideal Alternative

Here’s why Apidog Fast Request stands out as the best solution for API testing:

• Free and Fully Functional: No hidden fees or limitations — Apidog Fast Request is completely free, offering full functionality for all users, including those on IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition.
• Integrated Workflow: Test, debug, and manage APIs all within your IDE — no need for external applications like Postman or Swagger.
• Advanced Features: From automatic endpoint detection to OpenAPI generation and real-time debugging, Apidog Fast Request is packed with features that go beyond the capabilities of JetBrains HTTP Client.
• Simplicity and Time-Saving: Apidog Fast Request reduces the complexity of API testing, letting you focus on what matters most — building and testing your applications.

Conclusion: The Free Solution You’ve Been Waiting For

While JetBrains HTTP Client offers basic API testing features within your IDE, it’s clear that Apidog Fast Request offers a more comprehensive, feature-rich, and completely free alternative. Whether you’re using the free IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition or the paid Ultimate version, Apidog Fast Request streamlines your workflow and eliminates the need for external API testing tools.

Stop paying for additional API testing tools or trying to make do with limited features. Get Apidog Fast Request today and discover a better, more efficient way to handle API testing, debugging, and documentation — all within your IDE, for free.