Postman or Curl: Which Do You Prefer for API Testing?

For quick tests, Curl is my go-to. But if I need to do something more substantial, I’ll write a short script in Python using the requests library. It just makes things easier in the long run. Ultimately, it depends on what I'm comfortable with at the moment.

I like scripting with Curl to keep everything organized in text files. I find it easier to manage without the extra fluff that comes with graphical tools. Plus, it's super portable and can be easily shared in team settings.

HTTPie is my preferred tool. It offers a more readable interface compared to Curl, though I still use Curl for those straightforward requests. Postman tends to lag for me when testing simple endpoints. Insomnia is okay but still feels a bit too heavy for rapid testing.

Postman and Curl serve different needs. Curl is best for rapid requests and automation, while Postman is perfect for API exploration and documentation. I suggest learning Curl, as it’s universally available and invaluable in terminal workflows. For structured requests and testing, consider using Postman or alternatives like Bruno or Insomnia.

I've used both tools depending on the situation. Postman is fantastic for team projects because you can save and share requests easily. It basically acts as collaborative API documentation. Curl is straightforward and great for quick one-off requests, especially on servers without a GUI. If you're doing more complex testing, I prefer Postman, but for scripting or when I need raw control over requests, Curl wins hands down.