Through the integration of Endpoints Explorer, a potent tool that functions flawlessly with.http files, Visual Studio 2022 has completely transformed API testing. This combination removes the need for third-party tools like Postman or Swagger by enabling developers to design, administer, and run API tests straight from the IDE.

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

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.

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

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

Best Practices for Using Endpoints Explorer

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

Conclusion
Visual Studio 2022 revolutionizes API testing by providing developers with a quicker, more effective workflow with the use of Endpoints Explorer and.http files. For more productivity, embrace the integrated experience and bid adieu to extraneous tools. All set to give it a try? Upgrade to Visual Studio 2022 (version 17.6 or above) and start exploring the world of smooth API testing right now! Do you know how to use Endpoints Explorer? Tell us about your experience in the space provided here.