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you might make your app do so by producing HTTP requests.
Instead of programming an HTTP request module from scratch, developers rely on various Node.js HTTP request libraries.
Most of these tools are available with an open-source license.
Hence, there are no extra costs.
Enjoy reading until the end and discover some fascinating HTTP request tools.
What Are HTTP Requests?
A client underlying a web or mobile app makes HTTP requests to a named host.
The host is usually available on an in-house or third-party server.
There could be a few or multiple HTTP requests in a web or mobile app.
A request method is usually a one-word command for the server.
For example, the regular request methods are GET, HEAD, POST, PUT, CONNECT, etc.
To help the recipient with vital information about the request, you oughta put a header message.
It tells the recipient server what the message is, the senders information, and the method of communication.
It is not mandatory for all the request methods.
What Are HTTP Requests in Node?
Here, the client app and server function like two computers.
The target server processes this HTTP request and sends back another set of data packets.
We call it a response.
In all these use cases, HTTP Requests in Node play a significant role.
Such libraries or modules make HTTP request-based tasks truly effortless.
Using such tools means eliminating a bulk line of codes and making your apps lightweight.
Also, you are saving time by not constructing a full-service Node.js HTTP request module from scratch.
All these open sources or paid libraries come with a defined framework for creating HTTP requests.
The framework is based on Javas built-in HTTP classes.
Additionally, these libraries use Simple Logging Facade for Java, SLF4J, as the sole external dependency.
Hence, the resulting codebase for the library becomes exceptionally lightweight.
How Does Node.js HTTP Request Work?
When you hit the registration link, your internet tool requests some data from the server.
It mainly establishes the primary connection with the server and lets the client app request data from the server.
Consider accessing a social media app on the web and modifying your account information.
It means you are updating data on the server.
In such cases, the underlying runtime executes HTTP requests with the PUT method.
A remote server may not support all sorts of data communication methods that your web app can.
Hence, your app must make an OPTIONS method-based HTTP request to understand the servers communication methods.
The TRACE method for HTTP requests helps the client app log the communication route with the server.
So far, you have gone through the basics, needs, and working of Node.js HTTP request libraries.
The HTTP client supports modern web browsers and Node.js web apps.
BesidesGoogle Chromeand Mozilla, it is highly compatible with Internet Explorer 8 and later versions of Microsoft-based web browsers.
It comes with an MIT License.
Hence, there is a limited restriction on code reuses.
GOT
GOTis a powerful and human-friendly HTTP request library for Node.js.
SuperAgent
SuperAgentis yet another preferred HTTP request library among developers since it is a progressive ajax API.
It is also lightweight and does not make your final web apps codebase complex and heavy.
It has been developed to offer readability and flexibility when making HTTP requests.
Because it comes with a shallow learning curve when compared with its competitors.
Node-Fetch
Yet another trendy and heavily downloaded HTTP request library for Node.js on npm isNode Fetch.
At the time of writing, the library has already received more than 36 million downloads per week.
KY Delightful HTTP Requests
KYuses the online window fetch API to function as an HTTP request client.
It is elegant and tiny and completely developed using JavaScript language.
It is suitable for Deno runtime and various modern browsers.
One of the great things is that it does not use any dependencies and hence is lightweight.
If you have been using fetch so far, and want something modern, try out KY. ## Needle
Needleis a streamable and nimble HTTP request client for Node.js.
Its code base includes only two dependencies and is considered a lightweight library.
Some notable features are:
It is an open-source library and comes with the famous MIT License.
Undici
Undiciis an Italian word meaning Eleven.
It is an HTTP/1.1 client for HTTP calls for the Node.js runtime-based web apps.
The module is available under the MIT License for open source tools.
At the time of writing, npm has recorded over 2 million weekly downloads.
Final Words
Finally, you have discovered some powerful and popular Node.js HTTP client and request libraries.
All the above Node.js HTTP request libraries and client tools have some standard and unique features.
The unique features will drive which tool you should use.
You must do some homework before choosing an HTTP request client and library.
Otherwise, you might face errors, issues, and user inconveniences in the middle of the project.
Another important consideration of the number of HTTP calls your app or website will make.
Furthermore, the frequency of the HTTP requests is also a crucial consideration.
You may also be interested in the bestNode.js bundler and build toolsandNode.js monitoring tools.
