Kvile
A fast, lightweight HTTP client focused on .http file support.
Built with Tauri, React, and Rust.
Kvile (Norwegian for "rest") is an open-source HTTP debugging application designed for working with .http files. It treats .http files as first-class citizens, making it ideal for developers who prefer plain-text, git-friendly API collections.
---
## Features
- **Native `.http` file support** - JetBrains, VS Code REST Client, and Kulala formats with auto-detection
- **Dual editor mode** - Switch between source editing (Monaco) and GUI form editor
- **Environment variables** - Multiple environments with variable substitution
- **Pre/post-request scripts** - JavaScript scripting with assertions and variable extraction
- **Request history** - SQLite-backed history with search
- **OAuth/OIDC support** - Built-in authentication flows
- **cURL import** - Convert cURL commands to `.http` format
- **Response comparison** - Diff view for comparing responses
- **File watching** - Auto-reload when files change externally
- **Keyboard-driven** - Command palette and shortcuts for power users
- **Lightweight** - ~10 MB bundle, ~40 MB memory, sub-second startup
- **Offline-first** - No account required, no telemetry
## Installation
### Prerequisites
- [Node.js](https://nodejs.org/) 18+
- [Rust](https://rustup.rs/) (latest stable)
- Platform-specific dependencies (see below)
#### Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)
```bash
sudo apt install libwebkit2gtk-4.1-dev build-essential curl wget file \
libssl-dev libayatana-appindicator3-dev librsvg2-dev
```
#### Linux (Arch)
```bash
sudo pacman -S webkit2gtk-4.1 base-devel curl wget file openssl \
libappindicator-gtk3 librsvg
```
#### macOS
```bash
xcode-select --install
```
#### Windows
- Install [Visual Studio Build Tools](https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/visual-cpp-build-tools/)
- Install [WebView2](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/webview2/)
### Build from Source
```bash
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/tskulbru/kvile.git
cd kvile
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Run in development mode
npm run tauri dev
# Build for production
npm run tauri build
```
#### Wayland Users
If you experience display issues on Linux with Wayland:
```bash
WEBKIT_DISABLE_COMPOSITING_MODE=1 npm run tauri dev
# or
GDK_BACKEND=x11 npm run tauri dev
```
## HTTP File Formats
Kvile supports multiple `.http` file specifications with automatic format detection.
### JetBrains HTTP Client
```http
### Get all users
GET https://api.example.com/users
Authorization: Bearer {{auth_token}}
### Create user
POST https://api.example.com/users
Content-Type: application/json
{
"name": "John Doe",
"email": "john@example.com"
}
> {%
client.global.set("user_id", response.body.id);
%}
```
### VS Code REST Client
```http
@baseUrl = https://api.example.com
@authToken = your-token-here
###
GET {{baseUrl}}/users
Authorization: Bearer {{authToken}}
```
### Kulala Extensions
```http
# @name CreateUser
# @prompt username Enter username
POST https://api.example.com/users
Content-Type: application/json
{"username": "{{username}}"}
```
### Dynamic Variables
| Variable | Description |
|----------|-------------|
| `{{$uuid}}` | Generate UUID v4 |
| `{{$timestamp}}` | Current Unix timestamp |
| `{{$randomInt}}` | Random integer |
| `{{$datetime}}` | Current ISO datetime |
## Documentation
- [Architecture Overview](docs/ARCHITECTURE.md) - System design and structure
- [Development Guide](docs/DEVELOPMENT.md) - Setup, testing, and contributing
- [Project Vision](docs/VISION.md) - Goals and roadmap
## Contributing
Contributions are welcome! Please see our [Development Guide](docs/DEVELOPMENT.md) for setup instructions.
1. Fork the repository
2. Create your feature branch (`git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature`)
3. Commit your changes (`git commit -m 'Add amazing feature'`)
4. Push to the branch (`git push origin feature/amazing-feature`)
5. Open a Pull Request
### Guidelines
- Follow existing code style
- Write tests for new functionality
- Update documentation as needed
- Keep commits atomic and well-described
## License
MIT License - see [LICENSE](LICENSE) for details.
## Acknowledgments
- [Tauri](https://tauri.app/) - Desktop framework
- [JetBrains HTTP Client](https://www.jetbrains.com/help/idea/http-client-in-product-code-editor.html) - HTTP file specification
- [VS Code REST Client](https://github.com/Huachao/vscode-restclient) - HTTP file format
- [Kulala](https://github.com/mistweaverco/kulala.nvim) - Additional HTTP file extensions
---
Made with care for developers who value simplicity