Pulse API is a lightweight, native API testing tool for VS Code that helps you test and manage REST APIs, WebSockets, gRPC, and Server-Sent Events without leaving your editor. Store your requests in collections, view your request history, and collaborate with your team—all within VS Code.
🚀 Key Features
Multiple Request Types
REST/HTTP(S) requests with full header and body support
WebSocket connections with real-time messaging
Server-Sent Events (SSE) with streaming support
gRPC calls with .proto file support
Organized Workspace
Create and manage request collections
Automatic request history tracking
Pin important requests for quick access
Tag and filter your request history
Authentication Made Easy
Bearer Token authentication
API Key authentication
Basic authentication
Custom header support
Smart Features
Auto-save with Ctrl/Cmd + S
Import/Export collections for team sharing
Response time and size metrics
Syntax highlighting for JSON and XML responses
Local Storage
All data stored locally on your machine
No cloud services or accounts required
Privacy-focused design
📖 How to Use
Getting Started
Install the Extension
Search for "Pulse API" in the VS Code Extensions Marketplace
Click Install
Open Pulse API
Click the Pulse API icon in the Activity Bar (left sidebar)
Or use Command Palette (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + P) and search "Pulse API: Open Home"
Making Your First Request
Click "New Request" button
Enter your API endpoint URL
Select the HTTP method (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc.)
All executed requests are automatically saved in the History tab
Click any history entry to reload and re-execute it
Pin frequently used requests for quick access
Add tags to organize your requests
Export filtered history for documentation
Authentication Options
Bearer Token
Select "Bearer" from the Auth dropdown
Paste your access token
API Key
Select "API Key" from the Auth dropdown
Enter header name (e.g., X-API-Key)
Enter your API key value
Basic Auth
Select "Basic" from the Auth dropdown
Enter username and password
🔧 Request Types Guide
REST/HTTP Requests
Standard HTTP methods with support for:
Query parameters
Custom headers
Request body (JSON, XML, Form Data, Raw)
Response preview with syntax highlighting
WebSocket
Connect to WebSocket endpoints
Send and receive messages in real-time
View connection status and message log
Disconnect when done
Server-Sent Events (SSE)
Stream real-time events from server
View events as they arrive
Cancel streaming at any time
Full event history in the UI
gRPC
Load .proto definition files
Select service and method
Send requests with JSON payload
View status, headers, and trailers
❓ Troubleshooting
Issue
Solution
Request fails to send
Check that your URL is valid and includes http:// or https://
Auto-save not working
Make sure your request is assigned to a collection first
Can't see response
Check the Response panel at the bottom of the Home tab
WebSocket won't connect
Verify the endpoint uses ws:// or wss:// protocol
Collection won't export
Check that you have write permissions in the destination folder
🔒 Privacy & Storage
100% Local Storage: All your data (collections, history, auth tokens) is stored locally in VS Code's storage. Nothing is collected or stored on any cloud or server
No Telemetry: We don't collect or send any usage data
Team Collaboration: Export/import collections as JSON files to share with your team
Data Control: Clear individual collections, history, or all data from the Settings tab
📝 Keyboard Shortcuts
Ctrl/Cmd + S - Save current request
Open Command Palette and search "Pulse API" for all commands
