Trace Python HTTP Requests Easily with httpdbg Tool

BY Mark Howell 26 September 20245 MINS READ
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We want to talk about a tool for Python developers to easily debug the HTTP(S) client requests in a Python program. License cle-b/httpdbg Folders and files Latest commit History Repository files navigation httpdbg httpdbg is a tool for Python developers to easily debug the HTTP(S) client requests in a Python program. To use it, execute your program using the pyhttpdbg command instead of python and that's it. Open a browser to https://localhost:4909 to view the requests: Full documentation => https://httpdbg.readthedocs.io/ installation usage interactive console Open an interactive console using the command pyhttpdbg. Perform HTTP requests. You can inspect the HTTP requests directly in your web browser at https://localhost:4909. script You can trace all the HTTP requests performed by a script pytest You can trace all the HTTP requests performed during your tests If you use the pytest-xdist plugin to execute your tests in parallel, then you must install the pytest-httpdbg plugin if you want to trace the requests done by the pytest workers. module You can trace all the HTTP requests performed by a library module run as a script using the -m command line argument. For example, you can view which HTTP requests are performed by pip when you install a package. Initiators An initiator is the function/method that is at the origin of the HTTP requests. By default, we already support some packages but you can add your own initiators. To add a new package in the list of initiators, you can use the -i command line argument: You can use any package as an initiator, this is not limited to HTTP requests. Already supported packages configuration No configuration is necessary to start but some few settings are available for particular use. command line web interace Clic on the ⚙ button on the top right of the page. Some options are available: To keep your configuration, bookmark the page with the full search query. Fox example, if you want to hide the initiator rows by default, the url will be: web interface All the requests recorded are available on the web interface. The requests: documentation https://httpdbg.readthedocs.io About A tool for Python developers to easily debug the HTTP(S) client requests in a Python program.

Summary

httpdbg is a powerful tool designed for Python developers to easily debug HTTP(S) client requests within their programs. This tool simplifies the debugging process by allowing developers to execute their programs using the `pyhttpdbg` command instead of the usual `python` command. Once executed, developers can open a browser to `https://localhost:4909` to view all HTTP requests made by their program.

Description: A screenshot of the httpdbg web interface displaying HTTP requests.

Installation and Usage

The installation of httpdbg is straightforward, and its usage is versatile. Developers can open an interactive console using the `pyhttpdbg` command to perform and inspect HTTP requests directly in their web browser. This feature is particularly useful for real-time debugging and analysis.

Script and Pytest Integration

httpdbg allows developers to trace all HTTP requests performed by a script. For those using pytest for testing, httpdbg can trace all HTTP requests made during tests. If the pytest-xdist plugin is used for parallel test execution, the pytest-httpdbg plugin must be installed to trace requests made by pytest workers.

Module Tracing

Developers can also trace HTTP requests performed by a library module run as a script using the `-m` command line argument. For instance, one can view HTTP requests made by pip when installing a package. This feature is invaluable for understanding the behavior of third-party libraries and dependencies.

Initiators

An initiator is the function or method that originates the HTTP requests. By default, httpdbg supports several packages, but developers can add their own initiators using the `-i` command line argument. This flexibility allows for comprehensive tracing beyond just HTTP requests.

Configuration and Web Interface

No initial configuration is necessary to start using httpdbg, but a few settings are available for specific use cases. The web interface provides a comprehensive view of all recorded requests, and developers can customize their experience by clicking the ⚙ button on the top right of the page. For example, to hide initiator rows by default, developers can bookmark the page with the full search query.

Remember these 3 key ideas for your startup:

  1. Simplified Debugging: httpdbg offers a streamlined way to debug HTTP(S) client requests, saving developers time and effort. By using the `pyhttpdbg` command, startups can quickly identify and resolve issues in their code, leading to faster development cycles.

  2. Comprehensive Testing: Integrating httpdbg with pytest ensures that all HTTP requests are traced during testing. This comprehensive approach helps in identifying potential issues early in the development process, reducing the risk of bugs in production.

  3. Customizable Tracing: The ability to add custom initiators and trace requests from specific library modules provides startups with the flexibility to monitor and debug their applications thoroughly. This feature is particularly useful for understanding the behavior of third-party dependencies.


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    For more information, visit the httpdbg documentation.
    For more details, see the original source.

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About the Author: Mark Howell Linkedin

Mark Howell is a talented content writer for Edworking's blog, consistently producing high-quality articles on a daily basis. As a Sales Representative, he brings a unique perspective to his writing, providing valuable insights and actionable advice for readers in the education industry. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for sharing knowledge, Mark is an indispensable member of the Edworking team. His expertise in task management ensures that he is always on top of his assignments and meets strict deadlines. Furthermore, Mark's skills in project management enable him to collaborate effectively with colleagues, contributing to the team's overall success and growth. As a reliable and diligent professional, Mark Howell continues to elevate Edworking's blog and brand with his well-researched and engaging content.

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