Postman vs. Thunder Client: What are the Differences?

As the demand for API testing continues to rise, Postman has long been the go-to tool for many developers. However, as the tool has evolved, users have encountered several inconveniences. Recently, some users have reported performance issues, such as delays of up to five minutes when launching Postman, with the application sometimes failing to run altogether. Additionally, memory issues have been reported, leading to degraded computer performance and a subpar user experience.

The limitations of Postman’s free version, particularly its collection runner, coupled with the increasing prices of its paid plans, have driven independent freelancers and small teams to search for alternatives. Enter Thunder Client — a strong contender in the API testing space.

What is Thunder Client?

Thunder Client is a lightweight, intuitive GUI extension for REST API testing, fully integrated with Visual Studio Code. Its user-friendly design and simplicity have quickly garnered recognition, positioning it as a competitive alternative to Postman.

Key Features of Thunder Client:

• Minimalist Interface: Navigate REST APIs effortlessly with Thunder Client’s straightforward interface, ensuring a smooth testing experience.
• Support for Environments and Collections: Manage APIs effectively with Collections and customizable Environment Variables, making tests adaptable.
• GraphQL Support: Seamlessly compose and execute GraphQL queries alongside traditional REST APIs.
• Script-Free Testing: Validate API responses using a GUI-based approach, eliminating the need for complex scripting, making it accessible for developers of all levels.
• Local Data Storage: Safely store your API request data locally, allowing quick access to request history without relying on external servers.

How to Use Thunder Client for API Testing:

1. Install Thunder Client: Find and install the Thunder Client extension within Visual Studio Code.

2. Create a New Request: Open a project in Visual Studio Code and click the Thunder icon in the sidebar to start a new request.

3. Set Up Request Details: Fill out the form within Thunder Client’s interface to configure your HTTP request details.

4. Select a Request Method: Choose the appropriate method (GET, POST, PUT, etc.) and input the URL, headers, parameters, and request body.

5. Send the Request: Click “Send Request” to dispatch your configured request to the API endpoint.

6. Review the Response: Thunder Client displays the server’s response details, including headers, status code, and the response body.

Thunder Client: Pros and Cons

Thunder Client is a powerful API testing extension for Visual Studio Code with various strengths and limitations that developers should consider.

Pros:

• Fast and Efficient: Thunder Client is known for its quick setup and response retrieval, making it ideal for local API testing.
• User-Friendly Design: Its simple interface streamlines the testing process, providing a less cluttered alternative to more comprehensive tools like Postman.
• Effective API Request Management: Handles numerous API requests efficiently without impacting Visual Studio Code’s performance.
• Seamless Integration: Works harmoniously with Visual Studio Code themes, offering a consistent and visually appealing testing environment.
• Rich Features: Thunder Client supports collections, environment variables, GraphQL, and test scripts, offering capabilities found in more advanced tools.

Cons:

• Limited Advanced Features: It lacks some advanced features necessary for complex projects, making it better suited for smaller teams with straightforward needs.
• Dependency on Visual Studio Code: Its reliance on Visual Studio Code may limit its appeal to those who prefer other development environments.
• Learning Curve: Developers accustomed to feature-rich tools might find a learning curve or miss certain functionalities in Thunder Client.

Can Thunder Client Replace Postman?

The answer isn’t straightforward. Thunder Client is excellent for basic API testing but lacks some of Postman’s advanced features, such as proxy configuration and variable-based scripting. For more complex API processes, Postman remains a strong choice. However, for simple and direct API testing, Thunder Client shines, especially with its seamless integration into Visual Studio Code.

What’s an Alternative to Thunder Client?

While Thunder Client excels in basic testing, those managing the full API lifecycle might benefit more from an end-to-end platform like Apidog(https://apidog.com/). Apidog offers comprehensive capabilities, including documentation, mocking, testing, and monitoring, enabling teams to engage in API-first development without switching between multiple tools.

For example, Thunder Client offers limited support for variables and scripting, whereas Apidog allows for the creation of pre-request and test scripts that define variables, chain requests, and implement complex logic — essential for simulating real-world API usage. Additionally, Apidog provides advanced control over proxy settings, SSL certificates, cookies, and more, which is crucial for handling complex authentication schemes and diagnosing connectivity issues.

While Thunder Client is excellent for quick, impromptu testing during development, it reaches its limits with advanced, enterprise-level API testing needs. When faced with diverse authentication mechanisms, conditional workflows, mock servers, and extensive test automation, Apidog emerges as the superior solution.