Use Endpoints Explorer with .http Files in Visual Studio

Introduction

Visual Studio 2022 has revolutionized API testing by integrating Endpoints Explorer — a powerful tool that works seamlessly with .http files. This combination empowers developers to create, manage, and execute API tests directly from the IDE, eliminating the need for external tools like Postman or Swagger.

With Endpoints Explorer, developers enjoy.

• 📍 Reduced Context Switching
• ⚡ Increased Productivity
• 🔧 Streamlined API Testing Workflow

💡 What Problem Does It Solve?

Before this feature, developers relied heavily on external tools to test their APIs. This involved.

• Exporting endpoints or configurations manually.
• Managing additional setups outside their IDE.

Endpoints Explorer fixes this by embedding API testing into Visual Studio, making the process smooth and time-efficient.

✅ How to use Endpoints Explorer?

1️⃣ Open Your Project

Ensure you are using Visual Studio 2022 version 17.6 or later and load your project.

2️⃣ Access Endpoints Explorer

Navigate to View -> Other Windows -> Endpoints Explorer.

This tool scans your project for,

• Controllers marked with the [ApiController] attribute.
• Minimal API configurations.

You’ll see a comprehensive list of all available endpoints.

3️⃣ Working with Endpoints

Right-clicking an endpoint in the explorer provides two options.

Option 1. Open in Editor

This opens the corresponding controller or minimal API definition in the code editor. Perfect for quick reviews and edits.

Option 2. Generate Request

Selecting this option generates an API request in a .http file, enabling you to test the endpoint directly in Visual Studio.

🚀 Working with .http Files

• If a .HTTP file (named after your project) exists, a new request is added to it.
• Otherwise, a new .http file is created automatically.

✍️ Writing and Sending HTTP Requests

The .HTTP file is where you create and send requests. It supports:

• GET, POST, PUT, DELETE requests.
• Custom headers, query parameters, and JSON payloads.

Here’s an example of a request.

### Fetch all users  
GET https://your-api-url.com/users  
Authorization: Bearer YOUR-TOKEN  

### Add a user  
POST https://your-api-url.com/users  
Content-Type: application/json  

{  
    "name": "John Doe",  
    "email": "[email protected]"  
}

🌟 Benefits of Endpoints Explorer + .http File Combo

1. All-in-One Workflow: No need to switch between IDE and external tools like Postman.
2. Collaboration Made Easy: Share .HTTP files with your team as part of your repository for consistent API testing.
3. Integrated Experience: Quickly debug endpoints and iterate through development with minimal disruptions.
4. Simpler Configuration: Directly test APIs without exporting Postman collections or Swagger setups.

🛠️ Best Practices for Using Endpoints Explorer

1. Organize Requests: Group your .http requests by features or endpoints to keep your testing structured.
2. Leverage Comments: Add meaningful comments in .HTTP files to describe each request.
3. Commit .http Files to Source Control: Share and track changes with your team to maintain consistency.

🎉 Conclusion

With Endpoints Explorer and .http files, Visual Studio 2022 redefines API testing, offering developers a faster, more efficient workflow. Say goodbye to external tools and embrace the integrated experience for enhanced productivity.

Ready to try it out? Update to Visual Studio 2022 (v17.6 or later) and dive into the world of seamless API testing today!

💡 Have you used Endpoints Explorer? Share your experience below!