In the previous lesson you tested GET endpoints made available by the CodingNomads tasks API, but GET requests are only one of the many HTTP methods available.
How do you make requests with different methods beyond the standard browser capabilities? You can use an API client! For many developers, the app of choice is the Postman API client.
What is Postman?
Postman is an application that allows you fine-grained control over an HTTP request, making it great for exploring APIs created by others, confirming that your APIs work the way you want them to and testing new features. Postman's with you through thick and thin.
Postman Download
To download Postman, navigate to the official download page and follow the installation instructions for your operating system: https://www.postman.com/downloads
Ubuntu Postman Installation
If you're on an Ubuntu-based system, you can use the following command:
$ sudo snap install postman
Mac Postman Installation
If you're running macOS, you can install Postman using Homebrew:
$ brew install postman
How to Use Postman for the First Time
You'll be prompted to create an account when you open Postman for the first time. You are not required to make one, but if you do all your work will be synced across your devices.
After you either create an account (or opt not to), Postman will give you a tour of the app. Please complete it; it is a good use of your time!
Now that you've taken a little tour of the app, you probably agree it looks a bit like a browser. This is not by chance. Postman is built using the Electron framework which is powered by Chromium, the open-source engine that runs Google Chrome.
Customizing Your Postman API Client
Take a look around the preferences page on Postman. You can access it through the small cogwheel in the top right of the application. There are lots of ways to change how Postman presents information. The defaults are fine, but its worth exploring ways to optimize your workflow.
Summary: Postman API Client
The Postman API client allows you to create and modify HTTP requests in ways that are not possible in conventional web browsers. It's an extraordinarily helpful tool.
In the coming lessons, you'll learn how to use Postman to GET, DELETE, POST, PUT, PATCH and more.