Apidog
All-in-one API platform to design, debug, mock, and test with CI/CD
Bruno
Local‑first API client that stores collections as plain files
Bruno is a lightweight, offline‑first API client that saves requests in plain‑text files, enabling Git‑based collaboration and full cross‑platform support without cloud sync.
Overview
Overview
Bruno is a lightweight, offline‑first API client designed for developers and teams who value data privacy and version‑controlled workflows. By keeping every request, environment, and test in plain‑text Bru files inside a regular folder, the tool lets you treat API collections like any other source code.
Core capabilities
Because collections live on the filesystem, you can use Git or any other VCS to branch, merge, and review changes without relying on cloud services. Bruno runs natively on macOS, Windows, and Linux, and offers binaries as well as installers through Homebrew, Chocolatey, Snap, Flatpak, Apt and other package managers. The UI supports REST, GraphQL and OpenAPI specifications, while the offline‑only design guarantees that your data never leaves your device.
Getting started
Download a pre‑built binary from the website or install via your preferred package manager, point the app to a folder containing Bru files, and start sending requests instantly. The core features remain free under the MIT license, with optional paid editions that add advanced capabilities for larger teams.
Highlights
Offline‑first design stores collections locally in plain‑text Bru files
Full Git integration enables version‑controlled collaboration
Cross‑platform binaries and package‑manager installs for macOS, Windows, Linux
Supports REST, GraphQL and OpenAPI specifications
Pros
- Data never leaves the device, ensuring privacy
- Easy diff and merge of API collections via Git
- Free core functionality under an MIT license
- Lightweight UI with fast startup
Considerations
- No built‑in cloud sync or shared workspace
- Collaboration relies on external VCS tools
- Advanced team features require paid edition
- UI may be less feature‑rich than some commercial tools
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Fit guide
Great for
- Developers who prefer local, file‑based API management
- Teams that already use Git for source control
- Organizations with strict data‑privacy requirements
- Freelancers needing a fast, offline API tester
Not ideal when
- Users needing real‑time collaborative editing
- Enterprises that require integrated cloud sync
- Projects that depend on extensive built‑in mock servers
- People who want a purely graphical interface without markup
How teams use it
Version‑controlled API collection management
Teams can track, branch, and merge API request files using Git, providing auditability and rollback.
Offline API testing on the go
Developers can test endpoints without internet access, as all data resides locally.
CI pipeline integration
Automated test suites read Bru files directly, enabling repeatable API testing in CI/CD workflows.
Secure internal API development
Sensitive API definitions stay on-premises, complying with strict security policies.
Tech snapshot
JavaScript83%
TypeScript13%
Bru3%
HTML1%
CSS1%
Shell1%
Frequently asked questions
Is Bruno free to use?
Yes, the core application is free and open source under the MIT license; paid editions add optional extra features.
How can I sync collections between machines?
Bruno does not provide cloud sync; you can synchronize folders yourself using Git or any other file‑sharing method.
Which operating systems does Bruno support?
Binaries are available for macOS, Windows, and Linux, and can be installed via Homebrew, Chocolatey, Snap, Flatpak, Apt, and other package managers.
In what format are API requests stored?
Requests are saved as plain‑text Bru files, making them human‑readable and versionable.
Does Bruno work with OpenAPI specifications?
Yes, Bruno can import and work with OpenAPI/Swagger definitions alongside REST and GraphQL endpoints.
Project at a glance
Active- Stars
- 40,112
- Watchers
- 40,112
- Forks
- 2,066
LicenseMIT
Repo age3 years old
Last commit21 hours ago
Primary languageJavaScript
Last synced 10 hours ago