The best http client libraries, according to hackers
11 http client libraries recommended in Hacker News comments over the past year, ranked by how many separate people recommend each one.
- Most recommendedRequests (Python library)23 people recommend it
- Least regretlibcurl10 recommend, 2 criticize
All http client libraries
- Requests (Python library)The most-used HTTP client for Python, praised for a simpler API than the standard library. Critics say it is feature-frozen and lacks HTTP/2, HTTP/3 and async support.23recommend
- AxiosDevelopers recommend it for easier error handling, interceptors and JSON parsing than raw fetch. Main caveat: critics point to malicious npm releases and say native fetch covers much of it.21recommend
- Go net/httpGo's standard library HTTP package, praised as fully featured with an excellent server side. Critics say the client side is clunky, verbose and error-prone, with surprising behaviour changes.12recommend
- libcurlPeople recommend libcurl as a feature-rich, high-performance HTTP client that is battle-tested and well maintained, and often used as a dependency without people realizing it.10recommend
- httpxRecommended as a clean, modern Python HTTP client with async and newer HTTP support; the most common caveat is slow maintainer response, with critics saying issues and PRs are ignored.10recommend
- NiquestsDrop-in replacement for requests that adds HTTP/3, async and multiplexing while keeping the familiar API. Critics raise trust concerns and note it is largely a one-man project.8recommend
- HTTPX2Recommended as a stable, Pydantic-backed fork of HTTPX that promises not to break its API. Critics point to the confusing name and the original maintainer's conduct.8recommend
- aiohttpPython async HTTP library people recommend for its speed in benchmarks and over HTTPX; the main caveat is that it is tied to HTTP/1.7recommend
- Java HttpClientBuilt-in Java HTTP client with a clean builder API, so projects need no extra dependency. One critic says the newest client has blatant problems and suggests wrapping it with Methanol.6recommend
- curl_cffiA Python HTTP library that imitates real browser TLS fingerprints, which people use to build scrapers and test clients. Critics raise no recurring complaints.5recommend
- HttpClientSolid HTTP client for .NET and Angular that works fine for typical use. Most common caveat: sharp edges around HttpClient lifetime and IHttpClientFactory.5recommend