Quick Start: Postmate Client (Free Postman Alternative for VS Code)
Get started with Postmate Client, a fast and secure API testing tool for VS Code, and send your first API request in under 5 minutes — no login, no cloud sync, and no setup required.
If you're looking for a Postman alternative or a Thunder Client alternative that runs completely locally, you're in the right place.
Prerequisites
To use Postmate Client, you only need:
- Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
- No Node.js
- No external dependencies
- No account or login required
This makes Postmate Client one of the easiest local API clients for developers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Send Your First API Request
1. Install Postmate Client Extension
Open VS Code, press:
Ctrl+P(Windows/Linux)⌘P(Mac)
Paste the command below and hit Enter:
ext install PostMate-lab.postmate2. Open Postmate Client in VS Code
Click the Postmate Client icon in the VS Code Activity Bar (left sidebar). The API client will open directly inside VS Code — no separate app needed.
3. Create Your First API Request
Click New Request and enter a sample API endpoint URL:
https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1Select the HTTP method as GET.
4. Send the API Request
Click Send. You’ll instantly see:
- ✅ Status code
- 📦 Response body
- 📄 Headers
- ⏱ Response time
This is everything you need for API testing and debugging in one place.
5. Save Request to a Collection
Anytime press Ctrl + s to store your request in a collection.
##Collections help you:
- Organize API requests
- Reuse endpoints
- Run automated API tests
TIP
Once installed, Postmate Client appears in your VS Code sidebar. You can send your first API request in under 30 seconds.
Why Use Postmate Client?
- 100% local (no cloud sync, no data sharing)
- No login required
- Lightweight and fast
- Built for developers who care about API security and privacy
- Perfect Postman alternative for teams with strict data policies
Next Steps
Now that you've sent your first request, explore more powerful features:
- Environments & Variables — manage dev, staging, and production configs
- Tests & Assertions — validate API responses automatically
- CI/CD with CLI — run API tests in your pipeline