An open-source, offline-first API client that stores collections as files for Git-based collaboration.
Bruno is an open-source API client and IDE for exploring, testing, and managing APIs. It stores API collections as plain text files on your local filesystem, enabling seamless version control integration and offline access. It positions itself as a lightweight, privacy-focused alternative to tools like Postman and Insomnia.
Developers, QA engineers, and teams who need a reliable, offline-capable tool for API testing and collaboration without relying on cloud services.
Bruno offers a unique local-first approach where API collections are stored as files, making Git-based collaboration natural and keeping data entirely on your device for maximum privacy and control.
Opensource IDE For Exploring and Testing API's (lightweight alternative to Postman/Insomnia)
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Bruno stores all data locally as plain text files using the Bru markup language, with no cloud sync ever planned, ensuring full control over data privacy as stated in the README's offline-only philosophy.
Collections are saved as files on your filesystem, allowing direct collaboration via Git or any version control system, making it easy to track changes and work in teams, as highlighted in the features section.
Available for macOS, Windows, and Linux via multiple installation methods including Homebrew, Chocolatey, and Snap, as detailed in the installation instructions, ensuring broad accessibility.
Positioned as a streamlined alternative to heavier API clients, Bruno offers a fast desktop experience without bloat, aligning with its modern design goals.
Bruno is strictly offline-only with no plans for cloud sync, which can be inconvenient for teams that prefer automatic, real-time synchronization across devices without manual version control overhead.
Uses the Bru language for storing API data, which may require learning a new syntax and lacks the tooling or community support of more common formats like JSON or YAML, potentially increasing complexity.
The README mentions commercial versions with additional features, implying that some advanced capabilities (e.g., enhanced collaboration tools) might be behind a paywall, restricting access for users on a budget.
Bruno is an open-source alternative to the following products: