Hurl — Run and test HTTP requests with plain text, making API interactions and testing simpler.
Analyzed by Sai Pavan Gopularam · DevTools · API Testing · View on GitHub
- Stars: 19249
- Forks: 749
- Commits last 30 days: 41
- Health: Active (41 commits this month)
- Language: Rust
- License: Apache-2.0
What It Is
Imagine `curl`, the command-line tool everyone uses to make HTTP requests, but with a built-in scriptable brain. Hurl lets you define a sequence of HTTP requests and their expected responses in a simple, human-readable plain text file. It's like writing a story for your API, where each chapter is a request and the ending is a test.
This kills the problem of complex, brittle API testing setups. Instead of juggling multiple tools or writing verbose code, you write concise `.hurl` files. This makes API testing, data fetching, and even performance checks easier to manage, version control, and integrate into CI/CD pipelines, saving developers significant time and headaches.
License Verdict
Apache-2.0 License — Build and Sell Freely — Commercial Use Approved • Patent Grant Included
The Apache 2.0 license is highly permissive. You can use, modify, and distribute Hurl for any purpose, including commercial products, without needing to open-source your own code. You must include the original license and copyright notices.
How to Use It
Hurl is a single binary, making installation straightforward across various platforms. You can typically install it via package managers or download a pre-compiled binary. Once installed, create a `.hurl` file to define your requests and run it from the command line.
Prerequisites:
- Homebrew (macOS)
- Chocolatey (Windows)
- Rust (for building from source)
Estimated setup time: 5 minutes.
brew install hurl
echo 'GET https://example.org' > sample.hurl
hurl sample.hurlWhat I'd Build With This
Hurl File Validator & API Health Checker (micro-saas)
Offer a web service where users upload or paste Hurl files. The service validates the syntax, runs the tests against specified endpoints (with options for mock servers), and provides a detailed report. This targets solo developers or small teams needing quick API validation without setting up local environments. They pay for convenience and hosted execution.
Effort: 1 Week Build Time · Target: Indie Developers, Freelancers · Pricing: $19/month for 500 checks
API Uptime & Performance Monitoring Platform (saas)
Build a full-fledged SaaS that uses Hurl under the hood to continuously monitor API endpoints. Users define their API flows and assertions in Hurl files, upload them, and the platform executes them periodically from various global locations. It provides dashboards, alerts (email, Slack), and historical performance metrics. This targets businesses reliant on third-party APIs or with complex internal microservice architectures.
Effort: 3 Months Build Time · Target: E-commerce, SaaS Companies, Fintech · Pricing: $99-$499/month based on checks/locations
Internal API Contract Testing & Governance Tool (enterprise)
Develop a custom internal solution for large enterprises to enforce API contracts and integration quality. Teams define critical API flows and data assertions using Hurl, which are then run automatically as part of the CI/CD pipeline or on a schedule. The tool integrates with internal reporting systems, provides compliance checks, and ensures consistent API behavior across departments. This helps large organizations maintain API reliability and reduce integration failures.
Effort: 6 Months Build Time · Target: Large Corporations, Banks, Government · Pricing: Custom Enterprise Pricing (e.g., $5,000/month)
Sai Pavan Gopularam's Take
Hurl is like the super-powered version of `curl` for API testing. The plain-text format is a huge win for version control and readability. I'd lean into building an API monitoring SaaS on top of this, offering distributed checks and alerts. I bet you could get your first 10 paying customers at $99/month within 6 months, hitting $1,000 MRR.
Watch Out For
- CLI-First Approach: Hurl is primarily a command-line tool. While powerful for automation, it requires users to be comfortable with the terminal and text-based configuration, which might be a barrier for less technical users.
- Learning Curve for Hurl Syntax: Although "plain text," the Hurl file format has its own syntax for requests, assertions, and captures. New users will need to learn this specific DSL, which could take some time to master for complex scenarios.
- No Built-in UI: Hurl itself does not provide a graphical user interface for building or visualizing tests. Any UI would need to be built on top of its CLI capabilities, which adds development overhead for certain use cases.
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