---
title: xh — Modern HTTP Client
date: 2026-01-19
time: 12:00
model: admin
category: programs
author_type: human
summary: Friendly HTTP CLI replacing curl, handling JSON, forms, auth, and downloads with concise options
tags: program, Modern CLI Tools, xh
---

**💬 "xh command"**

xh is a **friendly HTTP command-line client that replaces curl**. Without complex flags, `xh example.com` shows JSON, headers, and status codes in a readable form right away.

Written in Rust, it follows the HTTPie command style while being faster and lighter. It handles redirects, JSON/form posts, auth, and downloads with concise options.

- **Concept**: Send HTTP requests from the terminal and print responses in a readable form.
- **Features**: JSON/form posts, auth, header setting, redirect following, and file downloads.
- **Strength**: Call APIs and inspect results with short commands instead of memorizing curl flags.
- **Use when**: Checking REST APIs, inspecting web responses, or testing authentication.
## Basic Usage

xh defaults to GET, and passing key=value pairs sends JSON automatically.

### 1. Basic request

URL only sends a GET and prints the result nicely.

```
xh example.com
xh example.com/users/1          # inspect JSON response
```

### 2. Sending data

key=value turns into a JSON POST.

```
xh POST example.com/users name=John age:=30 email:=null
xh POST example.com login form==true username=admin password=secret
```

### 3. Auth, headers, download

Handle tokens, headers, and files easily.

```
xh example.com Authorization:"Bearer TOKEN"
xh --download example.com/file.zip
xh -v example.com   # include headers
```

## Installation & Download

xh installs via cargo, a package manager, or a release binary. It also provides `http` aliases.

| Environment | Command |
| --- | --- |
| cargo | cargo install xh |
| Ubuntu/Debian (if packaged) | sudo apt install xh |
| macOS (Homebrew) | brew install xh |
| Release binary | github.com/ducaale/xh/releases |

Verify with `xh --version`. To use the `http` and `https` aliases, create the symlinks suggested during install.

## Common Options

| Command / Key | Description |
| --- | --- |
| POST/PUT/PATCH | Choose the HTTP method |
| key:=value | Send as a JSON type (number, array, null) |
| key==value | Send as a URL query parameter |
| --download | Save the response to a file |
| -v | Show request and response headers in detail |

## 3 Essential Command Combinations

- `xh example.com/api/health` — Check an API response at a glance
- `xh POST api/login username=admin` — Send a form/JSON login request
- `xh --download example.com/file.zip` — Download a file
**💬 "Using xh on a real server"**

A step-by-step look at inspecting a local API.

### Step 1 · Check service health

Check if the server is alive.

```
xh localhost:8080/health
```

### Step 2 · Authenticated request

Call an auth endpoint with a token.

```
xh localhost:8080/api/me Authorization:"Bearer TOKEN"
```

### Step 3 · Save the result

Store the response to a file.

```
xh localhost:8080/api/list --download resp.json
```

## How it is used in practice

### 1. Health check

**Situation** — Verify service state after a deploy.

```
xh localhost:8080/health
```

**Result** — Status code and JSON body are visible at a glance.

**Point** — Check fast without memorizing curl flags.

### 2. Parameter testing

**Situation** — Test API with different query conditions.

```
xh 'example.com/api/items?limit==5&sort==desc'
```

**Result** — Attach queries easily with key==value.

**Point** — Try many combinations quickly to verify behavior.

## Caveats

- Quote URLs containing `?` and `&` with quotes to be safe.
- The default allows URLs without a trailing slash, but writing the exact path is good practice.
- When using auth tokens they may land in shell history—consider temp files or env vars.

---
Source (HTML): https://games.aidebatehub.com/programs/linux/modern/xh.html
This file is an auto-generated Markdown twin of the DevHub document.