Overview

Thunder Client is a lightweight REST API client extension for Visual Studio Code (VS Code), designed to simplify API testing directly within the development environment. Launched on March 31, 2021, by Ranga Vadhineni, Thunder Client addresses the need for a fast, user-friendly, and integrated API testing tool. Unlike standalone applications like Postman, Thunder Client operates entirely within VS Code, eliminating context switching and streamlining the development workflow. It offers features such as collections, environment variables, scriptless testing, local data storage, Git synchronization, and a command-line interface (CLI) for continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) processes. Trusted by over 5 million users worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies, banks, and tech firms, Thunder Client has become a preferred choice for developers seeking an efficient API testing solution within VS Code.

Features and Capabilities

• Lightweight and Easy to Use: Thunder Client is designed with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. Its seamless integration into VS Code ensures minimal system resource usage and a streamlined workflow.
• Seamless VS Code Integration: Operates entirely within VS Code, allowing developers to test APIs without leaving their coding environment.
• User-Friendly Interface: Provides a simple and intuitive UI for creating and managing API requests, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced developers.
• Support for Various Request Types: Handles all standard HTTP methods, including GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, and PATCH, as well as GraphQL queries.
• Collections and Environment Variables: Allows users to organize requests into collections and manage different environments (development, testing, production) using environment variables.
• Scriptless Testing: Enables users to perform basic testing and validation of API responses through a graphical interface, eliminating the need for writing test scripts.
• Local Data Storage: All data, including requests, collections, and environment settings, is stored locally on the user's device, ensuring data privacy and offline accessibility.
• Git Synchronization: Facilitates team collaboration by allowing users to save request data in Git repositories, ensuring consistency across team members.
• Command-Line Interface (CLI): Offers a powerful CLI that supports running API requests and collections directly from the terminal, integrating seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines for automated testing.
• Offline Functionality: Operates without requiring an internet connection, making it reliable for development in various environments.