reqwest is an HTTP client library for Rust that provides both asynchronous and blocking APIs for making web requests.
The library solves the problem of making HTTP requests in Rust by offering an ergonomic, feature-complete client that handles common use cases without requiring extensive boilerplate. It supports multiple request and response body types including plain text, JSON, URL-encoded data, and multipart forms. The tool abstracts away low-level HTTP details while allowing customization where needed, such as through configurable redirect policies and proxy support.
Developers should choose reqwest for projects that need straightforward HTTP communication without wrestling with Rust's async ecosystem or TLS configuration. It suits both simple scripts and complex applications, with the flexibility to use either async or blocking clients depending on the context. The library offers built-in cookie storage and WebAssembly support, making it viable across different deployment targets. TLS handling is configurable: by default it uses rustls for cross-platform consistency, but developers can opt into system-native TLS on Windows and macOS, or use a vendored OpenSSL build on Linux.
The project maintains active engagement with users through commercial support offerings. Development shows consistent attention to the library's core functionality and ecosystem integration, with careful consideration given to dependency choices and platform-specific requirements. The maintainers accept contributions under a dual licensing model and actively solicit community support through sponsorship.
