When Postman announced the deprecation of its beloved Scratchpad, many developers were left scrambling for alternatives. Scratchpad had been a go-to tool for quick, local API testing—no login required, no cloud syncing involved. For those who enjoyed the simplicity and flexibility of testing APIs without extra overhead, this was a huge loss. Fortunately, Apidog is here to fill that gap, offering not only what Scratchpad did but also going beyond, with features that make it a powerful choice for modern API testing.
Apidog doesn’t just replace what Scratchpad offered; it improves on it. With no need for an account to get started, offline capabilities, and a clean, user-friendly interface, Apidog addresses the frustrations that many developers are now facing with Postman. Let’s explore how Apidog emerges as the clear winner in this new landscape
What Happened to Postman Scratchpad?
The deprecation of Postman Scratchpad represents a broader shift within the Postman ecosystem. As Postman evolves into a fully cloud-based platform, the company has gradually removed features that allowed developers to work offline and without an account. Scratchpad was one of those features that many developers loved for its simplicity—allowing them to test APIs locally without the need to create an account or sync to the cloud.
But now, Postman’s push towards a cloud-first approach means that even basic API testing has become intertwined with user accounts and cloud storage. While this shift might make sense for teams that need to collaborate in real-time, it leaves individual developers, freelancers, and anyone who values their privacy in a bind. These users are now forced to sign up for accounts and work online, even if that’s not what they want or need.
This deprecation feels like a step backward for developers who have always relied on Postman for its offline capabilities. That’s where Apidog shines, offering a solution that brings back what developers miss—offline support, simplicity, and no need for unnecessary accounts.
Challenges with Postman Post-Scratchpad
Since Postman shifted its focus to cloud-based features, developers have been left to deal with several challenges. These challenges often involve unnecessary complexity, privacy concerns, and the loss of a flexible, offline-first tool. Below are some of the biggest hurdles that developers now face:
- Forced Account Creation: One of the major pain points is the requirement to create an account to access Postman’s full range of features. For developers who just want to test APIs locally, the forced registration feels like an unnecessary hurdle. What was once a quick and easy task now involves signing up, logging in, and managing online data.
- Cloud-Centric Workflows: Postman’s focus on the cloud means that much of the work you do is now synced to their servers. For many, this is a significant privacy concern. Developers who handle sensitive data, such as those in healthcare or finance, might be uncomfortable storing their API requests and responses in the cloud. The lack of an offline option takes away a level of control that many developers have come to depend on.
- Loss of Offline Capabilities: With Scratchpad gone, Postman now requires an internet connection for most of its functionality. This is a major setback for developers who travel, work in environments with unreliable internet, or simply prefer to work offline. Scratchpad allowed them to continue their work seamlessly, regardless of connectivity. Without it, Postman becomes less accessible in these scenarios.
These challenges highlight a fundamental shift in Postman’s approach, one that prioritizes cloud-based collaboration over the simplicity and privacy that many individual developers require. This is where Apidog’s strengths come into play.
Why Apidog Is the Better Alternative
Apidog offers a refreshing alternative to the limitations introduced by Postman’s new direction. Not only does it preserve the features developers loved about Scratchpad, but it also enhances the overall experience. Here’s why Apidog stands out as the better option:
- No Account Needed: Just like Scratchpad, Apidog allows users to get started without creating an account. This is a significant advantage for developers who want to focus on their work without dealing with signups and cloud integrations. With Apidog, you can simply open the tool and start testing your APIs—no strings attached.
- True Offline Support: One of Apidog’s most compelling features is its ability to function fully offline. You can test your APIs, manage your collections, and work on your projects without ever needing an internet connection. This makes Apidog an ideal choice for developers who value flexibility and control over their work environment. Whether you’re on a plane, working remotely, or simply prefer to keep your work local, Apidog ensures you can continue working uninterrupted.
- Streamlined Interface: Apidog’s user interface is designed with developers in mind. It provides all the essential tools for API testing, without overwhelming you with unnecessary features. The clean, intuitive design allows you to focus on what matters—building and testing your APIs. Unlike Postman, which can feel bloated with features you may never use, Apidog keeps things simple and efficient.
- Enhanced Privacy and Security: Apidog respects your privacy by not forcing cloud integration. This is especially important for developers working with sensitive data. Unlike Postman, where your data is automatically synced to the cloud, Apidog gives you full control over where your data is stored. By working locally, you eliminate the risks associated with storing sensitive information on third-party servers.
- Powerful Collaboration Tools: While Apidog is perfect for individual developers, it doesn’t stop there. For teams that need to collaborate, Apidog offers powerful tools that allow you to work together efficiently. You can share collections, sync your work when needed, and collaborate with others—all while maintaining control over your data and workflows.
Feature Comparison: Apidog vs. Postman
Let’s dive deeper into a side-by-side comparison of Apidog and Postman, focusing on the features that matter most to developers:
- Offline Functionality: Apidog shines here, providing full offline support. You can work on your APIs anytime, anywhere, without worrying about an internet connection. Postman, on the other hand, now requires an internet connection for many of its core features, making it less flexible for developers who need offline access.
- Account Requirement: Apidog allows you to work without creating an account, giving you the freedom to jump straight into your projects. Postman’s account requirement adds an extra layer of complexity, which can be frustrating for developers who prefer to work without cloud-based accounts.
- User Interface: Apidog offers a streamlined interface that’s easy to navigate and focused on API testing. It’s designed to be simple yet powerful, making it easy to find the tools you need without getting lost in a sea of features. Postman’s interface, while robust, can sometimes feel overwhelming with its extensive range of options and settings.
- Privacy and Data Control: With Apidog, your data stays local unless you choose to sync it. This level of control is critical for developers working with sensitive information. Postman’s cloud-first approach means your data is often stored on their servers, raising privacy concerns for those handling confidential projects.
- Collaboration Features: While both tools offer collaboration capabilities, Apidog stands out for its flexibility. It provides all the essential tools for team collaboration without forcing cloud integration. You can choose when and how to sync your work with others, maintaining full control over your data throughout the process.
Conclusion
Postman Scratchpad’s deprecation may have disrupted your workflow, but it also opened the door to something better. Apidog offers everything you loved about Scratchpad—offline support, no account needed, and a user-friendly interface—while also adding enhanced privacy and powerful collaboration tools. It’s the perfect alternative for developers who value simplicity, control, and flexibility in their API testing workflows.
Apidog not only replaces Scratchpad; it raises the bar. If you’re looking for a tool that respects your privacy, works offline, and doesn’t require unnecessary accounts, it’s time to try Apidog.
