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ATAC
Terminal-based API client for free, offline HTTP testing
ATAC is a powerful terminal API client inspired by Postman and Insomnia. Test REST and WebSocket APIs entirely offline, no account required, with collections, scripting, and async requests.
Overview
What is ATAC?
ATAC (Arguably a Terminal API Client) brings the power of graphical API clients like Postman and Insomnia directly into your terminal. Designed for developers who value speed, privacy, and simplicity, ATAC operates completely offline with no account requirements—ever.
Core Capabilities
ATAC supports full-featured HTTP testing with all standard methods (including TRACE and CONNECT), authentication (Basic, Bearer, with JWT and OAuth planned), customizable headers, and multiple body formats (JSON, XML, multipart, file uploads). Manage collections and requests, execute pre- and post-request scripts, and handle asynchronous operations. WebSocket support enables real-time API testing. Export requests to multiple languages including cURL, Rust, Node.js, and PHP.
Who Should Use ATAC?
Ideal for backend developers, DevOps engineers, and anyone working in headless or remote environments. Whether you're SSH'd into a server, working on a lightweight system, or simply prefer terminal workflows, ATAC delivers professional API testing without the overhead of Electron-based tools. Vim key-bindings and NeoVim integration make it a natural fit for terminal-native workflows.
Highlights
Complete HTTP client with all methods, auth, headers, and body types in your terminal
Pre- and post-request scripting for advanced workflow automation
Fully offline and account-free—no telemetry, no cloud sync, total privacy
Export requests to cURL, HTTP, Rust, Node.js, PHP, and more
Pros
- Zero dependencies on graphical environments; works over SSH and in minimal setups
- No account creation or internet connection required for core functionality
- Lightweight binary with Vim key-bindings and NeoVim integration for power users
- Supports advanced features like WebSockets, async requests, and per-request proxy settings
Considerations
- Terminal-only interface may have a learning curve for users accustomed to GUI clients
- Authentication options currently limited to Basic and Bearer (JWT, OAuth, AWS planned)
- Requires Rust 1.82+ for installation from source
- Smaller ecosystem and community compared to established tools like Postman
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Fit guide
Great for
- Developers working in SSH sessions or headless server environments
- Teams prioritizing privacy, offline workflows, and avoiding vendor lock-in
- Terminal enthusiasts who prefer Vim-style navigation and keyboard-driven interfaces
- Lightweight environments where Electron-based clients are too resource-intensive
Not ideal when
- Users requiring advanced OAuth2, JWT, or AWS Signature authentication immediately
- Teams needing cloud sync, collaboration features, or shared workspaces
- Non-technical users unfamiliar with terminal applications and CLI workflows
- Projects requiring GraphQL client features or API documentation generation
How teams use it
Remote server API debugging
SSH into production servers and test internal APIs directly without installing heavy GUI tools or exposing endpoints externally.
CI/CD pipeline integration testing
Automate API validation in build pipelines using scripting and collections, ensuring endpoints behave correctly before deployment.
Offline API development
Develop and test APIs on flights, in secure air-gapped environments, or anywhere without reliable internet access.
Privacy-focused API exploration
Test third-party APIs without sending request metadata to cloud services or creating accounts that track usage patterns.
Tech snapshot
Rust100%
Dockerfile1%
Frequently asked questions
Does ATAC require an internet connection?
No. ATAC is designed to work completely offline. You only need connectivity to reach the APIs you're testing.
Can I import collections from Postman or Insomnia?
The README does not specify import functionality. Check the documentation or repository for current import/export capabilities.
What authentication methods are supported?
ATAC currently supports Basic authentication and Bearer tokens. JWT, Digest, OAuth1-2, and AWS authentication are planned for future releases.
How do I use ATAC over SSH?
Install ATAC on the remote server via cargo, package manager, or binary, then run it directly in your SSH session like any terminal application.
Is there a GUI version available?
No. ATAC is intentionally terminal-only, designed for environments without graphical interfaces and for users who prefer keyboard-driven workflows.
Project at a glance
Active- Stars
- 3,398
- Watchers
- 3,398
- Forks
- 123
LicenseMIT
Repo age1 year old
Last commitlast week
Primary languageRust
Last synced 51 minutes ago