How to handle API requests (Postman vs Web)

Handling API requests differs between tools like Postman and web-based clients (e.g., JavaScript's fetch or axios). Below is a comparison of how to make API requests in both environments:

1. Using Postman (API Testing Tool)

Postman is a popular GUI tool for testing APIs. Here's how to send requests:

GET Request

1. Open Postman.

2. Select GET from the method dropdown.

3. Enter the API URL (e.g., https://api.example.com/data).

4. Add Headers (e.g., Content-Type: application/json).

5. Add Query Params (if needed).

6. Click Send and view the response.

POST Request

1. Select POST method.

2. Enter the URL.

3. Go to the Body tab.

4. Select raw and JSON.

5. Enter JSON data:

   json

   {
     "name": "John",
     "age": 30
   }

6. Click Send.

Authentication

• Bearer Token: Add in the Authorization tab.

• API Key: Add as a header (e.g., X-API-Key: your-key).

2. Using Web (JavaScript - Fetch & Axios)

For web apps, you typically use fetch or axios.

GET Request (Fetch)

fetch('https://api.example.com/data', {
  method: 'GET',
  headers: {
    'Content-Type': 'application/json',
    'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_TOKEN'
  }
})
.then(response => response.json())
.then(data => console.log(data))
.catch(error => console.error('Error:', error));

POST Request (Fetch)

fetch('https://api.example.com/users', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    'Content-Type': 'application/json',
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    name: 'John',
    age: 30
  })
})
.then(response => response.json())
.then(data => console.log(data));

Using Axios (Alternative to Fetch)

First, install Axios:

npm install axios

Then:

import axios from 'axios';

// GET Request
axios.get('https://api.example.com/data', {
  headers: { 'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_TOKEN' }
})
.then(response => console.log(response.data));

// POST Request
axios.post('https://api.example.com/users', {
  name: 'John',
  age: 30
}, {
  headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' }
})
.then(response => console.log(response.data));

Key Differences

When to Use Which?

✅ Use Postman for:

• Testing APIs manually.

• Debugging & inspecting responses.

• Sharing API collections with teams.

✅ Use Web (JavaScript) for:

• Building frontend API integrations.

• Dynamic API calls in React, Vue, etc.

• Real-time data fetching in apps.

Final Recommendation

• Developers: Use Postman to test APIs before coding.

• Frontend Apps: Use fetch/axios for live API interactions.

Would you like a specific example for a particular API?