Bruno is an open-source IDE for exploring and testing APIs that serves as a lightweight alternative to Postman and Insomnia.
The tool addresses the need for a privacy-focused, version-control-friendly API client by storing collections directly in the filesystem using a plain text markup language called Bru. This approach enables teams to collaborate on API collections using Git or any version control system, treating API requests as code that can be tracked and reviewed like any other project artifact. Bruno operates entirely offline with no cloud synchronization, keeping all data on the user's device.
Bruno suits teams and developers who prioritize data privacy, want to version-control their API collections alongside their codebase, and prefer not to rely on cloud-based services. It works across Mac, Windows, and Linux, and is available through multiple package managers including Homebrew, Chocolatey, Scoop, Snap, Flatpak, and Apt. The project offers a command-line interface for running collections in automated testing and CI/CD pipelines, making it practical for integration into development workflows beyond interactive API exploration.
The project maintains active development with regular updates across its codebase. The tool has been presented at conferences, indicating ongoing community engagement and visibility. The maintainers have published a long-term vision document outlining their commitment to open-source principles and offline-first design, while offering commercial versions with additional features for teams seeking extended functionality.
