Debugging Tools Overview
ReAPI provides three complementary approaches for debugging and testing APIs. Choose the right tool based on your scenario and workflow needs.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Requests | Quick, temporary testing | Private, fast, no sync | Single device, no organization |
| Debug Collections | Organized team library | Cloud sync, folders, Postman import | Requires cloud storage |
| Test Flows | Multi-step scenarios | Flow control, data extraction | Requires flow design |
Comparison Table
| Feature | Local Requests | Debug Collections | Test Flows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage | Browser only | Cloud (synced) | Cloud (synced) |
| Privacy | Private | Team-shared | Team-shared |
| Complexity | Single request | Single request | Multi-step flows |
| Organization | Flat list | Folders | Test suites structure |
| Flow Control | No | No | Yes (IF/Loop/Parallel) |
| Data Extraction | Manual | Manual | Automatic (JSONata) |
| Context Variables | No | Yes (via Variable Groups) | Yes (full context) |
| Team Sharing | No | Yes | Yes |
| Postman Import | No | Yes | No |
| Assertions | Manual check | Manual check | Optional |
When to Use Each Tool
Choose Local Requests when:
- Testing a single endpoint quickly
- Experimenting with unfamiliar APIs
- Don’t want to save the request
- Testing sensitive endpoints privately
→ Learn more about Local Requests
Choose Debug Collections when:
- Building a reusable request library
- Working with your team
- Migrating from Postman
- Need folder organization
- Want cross-device access
→ Learn more about Debug Collections
Choose Test Flows when:
- Debugging multi-step workflows
- Need conditional logic (IF/ELSE)
- Extracting data between requests
- Testing complex scenarios with loops
- Planning to add assertions later
Typical Workflow
Many teams combine all three approaches:
- Explore with Local Requests (quick experiments)
- Organize into Debug Collections (useful requests)
- Build flows with Test Flows (complex scenarios)
- Automate by adding assertions (production tests)
This progression naturally evolves from exploration to automation.
Related Documentation
- Variable Groups - Set up environment variables
- Authentication - Configure auth for requests
- Node Reference - Learn about flow control nodes
- JSONata Guide - Extract data from responses
Questions? Join our Discord community for help!