hey is a HTTP load generator that serves as a replacement for ApacheBench.
The tool addresses the need for straightforward load testing by sending a configurable number of requests to a web application at a specified concurrency level and reporting performance statistics. It accepts parameters for request count, concurrent worker threads, duration-based testing, custom request bodies, headers, and rate limiting. The tool supports both HTTP/1 and HTTP/2 endpoints, allowing developers to test modern web applications without additional configuration.
Developers should choose hey for quick, ad-hoc load testing scenarios where a lightweight command-line tool suffices. It suits projects that need basic performance metrics without the complexity of dedicated load testing frameworks. The tool is particularly useful for developers already familiar with ApacheBench who want a more modern alternative with HTTP/2 support and simpler syntax. Its small footprint and single-binary distribution make it easy to deploy in CI/CD pipelines or use locally during development.
The project maintains a focused scope with straightforward feature additions. Development activity shows consistent attention to bug fixes and incremental improvements rather than major architectural changes. The codebase remains actively maintained with regular updates addressing user-reported issues and compatibility concerns.
