What should I use for API validation and debugging?

For API validation and debugging, the best tool depends on what you’re trying to check. A good practical stack is:

1. Postman — best all-around choice

Use it for:

• sending requests manually
• inspecting headers, status codes, and response bodies
• writing assertions/tests
• saving collections and environments
• debugging auth, payloads, and endpoints

2. curl — best for quick command-line checks

Use it for:

• fast, lightweight request testing
• reproducing issues exactly
• scripting in CI or terminal workflows

3. HTTPie — friendlier alternative to curl

Use it for:

• readable command-line API testing
• easier debugging of JSON APIs

4. Swagger / OpenAPI tools

Use it for:

• validating your API contract
• testing documented endpoints
• generating client/server code
• spotting mismatches between docs and implementation

5. Insomnia

Good alternative to Postman for:

• manual API testing
• cleaner UI for some users
• working with REST, GraphQL, and gRPC

6. Logging + observability tools

For actual debugging in production or staging, also use:

• application logs
• request/response tracing
• OpenTelemetry
• APM tools like Datadog, New Relic, or Grafana

Recommended setup

If you want a simple, effective combo:

• Postman for everyday validation
• curl for reproducible debugging
• OpenAPI/Swagger for schema validation
• logs/tracing for deeper debugging

If you want, I can recommend the best tool based on your stack (REST vs GraphQL, backend language, team size, CI/CD, etc.).