Bruno : The Developer-Friendly Alternative to Postman

#1. Introduction

If you’re knee-deep in building apps, you already know APIs are the backbone of everything. Testing them? That’s where the real magic happens. For years, we’ve relied on tools like Postman and Insomnia to send requests, debug issues, and keep things running smoothly. But lately, there’s a buzz about something new: Bruno. It’s popping up everywhere, and developers are starting to make the switch. Why? Let’s dive in.

What Exactly is Bruno?

Picture this: an API client that’s open-source, super speedy, and puts your privacy first. Bruno isn’t some bloated app that shoves your stuff into the cloud. “No” it keeps everything right on your local machine. Your API collections, requests, all of it? Safe and sound where you control it, no cloud drama required.

Bruno is built for developers who want:

• Simplicity without compromise
• High performance without unnecessary extras
• Complete freedom with open-source flexibility

It’s like the minimalist toolbox you’ve been waiting for.

Why’s Bruno Suddenly Everywhere?

Bruno solves the pain points that frustrate us with other API tools:

• Privacy First: No forced cloud uploads your collections stay local. No hidden syncing your data stays completely under your control.
• Fast and Lightweight: Loads quickly and handles requests without lag. Perfect for quick tests on the go.
• Open-Source Freedom: No fees, no lock-in. Collections are Git-friendly and saved as plain text for easy version control.
• No Extra Bloat: Focused on what matters API testing without unnecessary features.

Bottom line: Bruno fits the way we work today collaboratively, secure, and efficient. It’s not trying to do everything; it’s just good at API testing.

#2. Key Features

Bruno keeps it real with features that matter. Here’s the highlights:

1. Totally Open-Source

• No sneaky costs or paywalls.
• Peek under the hood anytime—the code’s all there.
• A bunch of devs are pitching in on GitHub, making it better every day. Wanna join? Hit up their repo and contribute.

2. Privacy from the Ground Up

• Everything lives locally.
• No accounts, no cloud pushes—your requests don’t leave your laptop.
• Ideal if you’re handling sensitive APIs and don’t want Big Tool Company snooping.
• Bonus: Those plain text files play nicely with Git, so team handoffs are seamless.

3. Light as a Feather, Fast as Lightning

• Clean UI, no extra bells and whistles slowing you down.
• Starts up in a flash and zips through responses.
• Great for solo endpoint tweaks or juggling big workflows without your machine groaning.

Getting Bruno Up and Running

Installing Bruno is simple. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux just choose your platform and you’re good to go.

#3. Quick Install Guide

Windows:

1. Head to Bruno’s GitHub Releases page.
2. Grab the latest .exe file.
3. Run it and follow the prompts.
4. Boom—find it in your Start Menu.

macOS:

1. Download the .dmg from Releases.
2. Drag it to Applications.
3. Fire it up and get testing.

Linux:

1. Snag the .AppImage or .deb from Releases.
2. For AppImage: chmod +x Bruno.AppImage then ./Bruno.AppImage.
3. For .deb: sudo dpkg -i bruno.deb and sudo apt-get install -f.

GUI or CLI? Your Call

• GUI: Feels like Postman but cleaner. Visual, easy for building requests on the fly.
• CLI: For the terminal lovers. Automate tests, hook into CI/CD, or run collections like

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          bruno run collection.bru –env dev.

#4. Build Your First Collection in Minutes

Bruno makes organizing APIs feel effortless. Here’s a no-sweat walkthrough.

Step 1: Fire It Up

Launch Bruno. You’ll see a simple welcome screen begging for a new collection.

Step 2: New Collection Time

1. Hit “New Collection.”
2. Name it (say, “My API Playground”).
3. Pick a folder—it’s all plain text, so Git loves it.

Step 3: Add a Request

1. Inside the collection, click “New Request.”
2. Pick your method (GET, POST, etc.).
3. Drop in the URL, like https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts.

Step 4: Headers and Body Magic

• Toss in headers: Content-Type: application/json.
• For POSTs, add a body like:

JSON

{
"title": "Bruno Blog",
"body": "Testing Bruno API Client",
"userId": 1
}

Step 5: Hit Send

Click it and watch the response pop: status, timing, pretty JSON—all right there.

Step 6: Save and Sort

Save the request, make folders for envs or APIs, and use vars for switching setups.

#5. Bruno vs. Postman: Head-to-Head

Postman’s the OG, but Bruno’s the scrappy challenger winning hearts. Let’s compare.

1. Speed

• Bruno: Lean and mean—quick loads, low resource hog.
• Postman: Packed with features, but it can feel sluggish on big projects. Edge: Bruno

2. Privacy

• Bruno: Local only, no cloud creep.
• Postman: Syncs to their servers—handy for teams, sketchy for secrets. Edge: Bruno

3. Price Tag

• Bruno: Free forever, open-source vibes.
• Postman: Free basics, but teams and extras? Pay up. Edge: Bruno

#6. Level Up with Advanced Tricks

Environmental Variables

Swap envs easy-peasy:

• Make files for dev/staging/prod.
• Use {{baseUrl}} in requests.
• Example:

{
"baseUrl": "https://api.dev.example.com",
"token": "your-dev-token"
}

Scripting Smarts

Add pre/post scripts for:

• Dynamic auth: request.headers[“Authorization”] = “Bearer ” + env.token;
• Response checks or automations.

#7. Community & Contribution

It’s community-driven:

• Repo: https://github.com/usebruno/bruno
• Contribute: Fork, branch, PR. Report bugs, chat ideas—help build the future.

#8. Conclusion

Bruno isn’t just another API testing tool it’s designed for developers who want simplicity and control. With local-first privacy, fast performance, open-source flexibility, and built-in Git support, Bruno delivers everything you need without unnecessary complexity.
If you’re tired of heavy, cloud-based clients, it’s time to switch. Download Bruno today and experience the difference: Download here.