Choosing the Best API Testing Tool: Postman vs. Thunder Client
Tags: api, postman, java
Published: 2024-01-02 08:39:12

As the demand for API testing grows, Postman has been the preferred  tool for many developers. However, as it develops, users have been  facing inconveniences. Recently, users have complained about performance issues with **[Postman](https://apidog.com/blog/what-is-postman/)**. Some report delays of up to five minutes when launching the  application, which sometimes fails to run. Additionally, there have been reports of memory issues that degrade computer performance and the  overall user experience.

- **[How to Fix Postman Collection Limits for Free ](https://apidog.com/blog/how-to-fix-postman-collection-limits/)**

Moreover, the limitations of the free version's collection runner and the increasing prices of its paid plans have led independent  freelancers and small teams to seek alternatives. This is where Thunder  Client has emerged as a strong contender.

## What Exactly is Thunder Client?

Thunder Client is an intuitive, lightweight Graphical User Interface  (GUI) extension for REST API testing, integrated right into Visual  Studio Code. Its user-friendly and lightweight attributes have rapidly  earned it recognition in the API testing field, making it a competitive  alternative to the likes of Postman.

![Thunder Client](https://assets.apidog.com/blog/2023/12/image-28.png)

### Features of Thunder Client:

- **Light and Simplistic Interface:**  Browse through  REST APIs smoothly with Thunder Client's minimalistic approach. The  straightforward interface guarantees a hassle-free testing journey.
- **Support for Environments and Collections:**  Manage APIs with ease using the support for Collections. Apply **[Environment Variables](https://apidog.com/blog/how-to-set-thunder-client-variable/#thunder-client-variable)** to make your API tests adaptable and customizable.
- **Ability to Handle GraphQL Queries:**  Compose and  execute GraphQL queries effortlessly within Thunder Client. Simplify  testing for both GraphQL and traditional REST APIs.
- **Script-free Testing:**  Confirm API responses with  ease using a GUI-based approach. Ditch complex scripting – Thunder  Client simplifies the process for developers at all experience levels.
- **Local Data Storage:**  Rest assured that your API  request data is safely stored locally on your device. Quickly access  your request history without the dependency on external servers.

## How to Employ Thunder Client for API Testing?

1、**Installing Thunder Client:**  Locate and install the Thunder Client extension within Visual Studio Code.

![Install Thunder Client ](https://assets.apidog.com/blog/2023/12/image-22.png)

2、**Generating a New Request:**  Once installed, open a  new or existing project in Visual Studio Code. Click the Thunder icon in the sidebar to initiate a new request.

![Create a New Request](https://assets.apidog.com/blog/2023/12/image-25.png)

3、**Setting Up Request Details:**  Thunder Client provides a form to set up your HTTP request details within its interface.

![Configure Request Details](https://assets.apidog.com/blog/2023/12/image-24.png)

4、**Selecting a Request Method:**  Choose the request method (**[GET](https://apidog.com/blog/get-vs-post-request-the-difference-between-http-methods/)**, POST, PUT, etc.). Fill in the necessary URL, headers, parameters, and request body.

![request method](https://assets.apidog.com/blog/2023/12/image-23.png)

5、**Dispatching the Request:**  Hit the "Send Request" button to dispatch the configured request to the designated API endpoint.

![Send the Request](https://assets.apidog.com/blog/2023/12/image-26.png)

6、**Reviewing the Response:**  Thunder Client presents the server's response details, including headers, status code, and the body of the response.

## Advantages and Drawbacks of Thunder Client

Thunder Client is a robust API testing extension for Visual Studio  Code, which has a set of strengths and limitations that developers ought to consider. Understanding these can provide better insight into how  well it fits various testing scenarios.

### Advantages of Thunder Client:

- **A Swift API Client:**  Thunder Client is renowned for its quick setup and response retrieval for API requests, especially  convenient for local API testing without an internet connection.
- **User-Friendly Design:**  The extension offers an  easy-to-use interface that simplifies the testing workflow. This  simplicity is a significant boon for those who appreciate a less  cluttered alternative to comprehensive tools like Postman.
- **Competent API Request Processing:**  Thunder Client  is capable of efficiently managing numerous API requests, ensuring  Visual Studio Code's performance remains unaffected.
- **Consistent with Visual Studio Code Themes:**  Its integration with Visual Studio Code themes provides a consistent and visually appealing testing environment.
- **Rich Set of Features:**  Thunder Client isn't just  fast; it supports collections, environment variables, GraphQL, and test  scripts, incorporating elements found in more advanced tools such as  Postman.

### Drawbacks of Thunder Client:

- **Limited Advanced Features:**  Thunder Client may not  offer certain advanced features necessary for larger or more complex  projects, making it more suitable for smaller teams with straightforward needs.
- **Reliance on Visual Studio Code:**  Its effectiveness hinges on Visual Studio Code, which might limit its appeal to those who prefer different development setups.
- **Learning Curve for Experienced Users:**  Users who are accustomed to feature-rich tools may face a learning curve or miss certain functionalities with Thunder Client.

## Can Thunder Client Take Postman's Place?

The answer is not cut and dry. Thunder Client serves well for basic  API testing requirements but falls short on some of Postman's advanced  features like proxy configuration and variable-based scripting. Thus,  for complex API processes, Postman continues to hold its own.

However, for simple and direct API testing tasks, Thunder Client  shines! Its seamless collaboration within Visual Studio Code renders it  incredibly convenient for spontaneous testing.

## What is Thunder Client's Alternative?

While Thunder Client streamlines basic testing, those responsible for managing the full API lifecycle might derive greater value from an  end-to-end platform like **[Apidog](https://apidog.com/)**. Boasting capabilities that encompass documentation, mocking, testing, and monitoring, Apidog enables teams to engage in true **[API-first](https://apidog.com/articles/what-is-api-first/)** development, removing the need to switch between multiple applications. An  integrated platform like Apidog paves the way for more sophisticated and efficient API workflows.

![ API workflows](https://assets.apidog.com/blog/2023/12/apidog-interface--1--1.png)

For instance, Thunder Client offers scant support for variables and  scripting. Apidog, in contrast, permits the writing of pre-request and  test scripts that define variables, concatenate requests, and implement  intricate logic. This proves invaluable for emulating real-world API  usage patterns. Thunder Client is restricted to utilizing environment  variables for scripting only.

Moreover, Apidog grants advanced control over proxy settings, SSL  certificates, cookies, and more. Thunder Client provides simple proxy  configurations, essentially just allowing you to specify a URL. Apidog  excels in providing fine-grained controls necessary for intricate  authentication schemes, diagnosing connectivity issues, and more.

![Apidog Auth](https://assets.apidog.com/blog/2023/12/image-27.png)

While Thunder Client proves beneficial for impromptu testing during  development, it meets its limits when it comes to advanced,  corporate-grade API testing needs. When faced with diversified  authentication mechanisms, conditional workflows, mock servers, and  comprehensive test automation, Apidog emerges as the superior solution.