Bruno

Bruno is an open-source API client that takes a fundamentally different approach to API collection management by storing requests as plain-text files on the local filesystem rather than in proprietary cloud storage. This design choice makes API collections fully version-controllable with Git, reviewable in pull requests, and shareable without relying on any cloud service. The file-based approach is Bruno's most significant differentiator. Each API request is saved as a .bru file using Bruno's own markup language, and collections are organized as directory structures on disk. This means API collections can live alongside application code in the same repository, be tracked through Git history, compared in diffs, and reviewed as part of normal code review processes. When a developer adds a new API endpoint to the codebase, they can include the corresponding Bruno collection file in the same pull request. The offline-first architecture means Bruno works without any internet connection and never sends API request data to a cloud server, which is important for teams working with sensitive data, financial APIs, or healthcare systems where data privacy regulations apply. The desktop application is lightweight and fast, supporting REST and GraphQL requests with environment variables, scripting capabilities, and assertion testing. A CLI tool enables running Bruno collections in CI/CD pipelines for automated API testing. Import functionality allows migrating existing collections from Postman, Insomnia, and OpenAPI specifications, reducing the friction of switching tools. Bruno is best suited for developers and teams that prefer a code-centric workflow and want their API collections integrated into their version control practices. Teams that are sensitive to cloud data privacy, work in regulated industries, or simply prefer local-first tools will find Bruno's approach compelling. However, teams that rely on real-time cloud collaboration and shared workspaces may find the Git-based sharing model less convenient than cloud-synced alternatives. Bruno is free and open-source with no usage limits or premium tiers gating core features. The project is community-driven and actively maintained. A paid Golden Edition adds some advanced features like visual response comparison and secret management, but the free version covers the needs of most developers.