Streamlined API testing for teams and individuals
Advanced REST Client (ARC) is a lightweight, free utility built to simplify API development and validation. Available for macOS, it lets developers and QA engineers transmit requests and inspect responses quickly. The tool is geared toward common testing workflows and is suitable for both simple checks and more involved API troubleshooting.
Available HTTP operations
- DELETE
- PUT
- POST
- GET
Advanced functionality
- Manage environment variables to switch between endpoints and credentials easily
- Attach custom headers for fine-grained control over each request
- Persist frequently used requests for reuse and consistency
- Handle authenticated endpoints with built-in support for common auth schemes
Ease of use and interface
ARC offers an approachable, uncluttered user interface that speeds navigation and reduces friction during test cycles. The layout helps testers assemble requests, examine responses, and iterate on test cases without a steep learning curve.
Platform and cost
ARC is provided at no cost and runs on macOS. Its free license and straightforward installation make it accessible for solo developers and small teams exploring API tooling options.
Alternatives to consider
- AquaTerm — free, recommended as a lightweight substitute
- Other options include a range of paid and open-source clients depending on specific feature needs and team size
Productivity recommendations
- Save and organize request collections to standardize testing across projects
- Use environment configurations to switch between development, staging, and production endpoints without rebuilding requests
Technical
- Mac
- Free