What is http-call?
The http-call npm package is a lightweight HTTP client for making HTTP requests in Node.js. It provides a simple and intuitive API for performing various types of HTTP requests, handling responses, and managing errors.
What are http-call's main functionalities?
Making GET Requests
This feature allows you to make GET requests to a specified URL and handle the response. The example demonstrates how to fetch data from an API and log the response body.
const { get } = require('http-call');
async function fetchData() {
try {
const response = await get('https://api.example.com/data');
console.log(response.body);
} catch (error) {
console.error('Error fetching data:', error);
}
}
fetchData();
Making POST Requests
This feature allows you to make POST requests with a request body. The example demonstrates how to send data to an API and log the response body.
const { post } = require('http-call');
async function sendData() {
try {
const response = await post('https://api.example.com/data', { body: { key: 'value' } });
console.log(response.body);
} catch (error) {
console.error('Error sending data:', error);
}
}
sendData();
Handling Errors
This feature allows you to handle errors that occur during HTTP requests. The example demonstrates how to handle a 404 error specifically and log an appropriate message.
const { get } = require('http-call');
async function fetchData() {
try {
const response = await get('https://api.example.com/data');
console.log(response.body);
} catch (error) {
if (error.statusCode === 404) {
console.error('Resource not found');
} else {
console.error('Error fetching data:', error);
}
}
}
fetchData();
Other packages similar to http-call
axios
Axios is a popular promise-based HTTP client for the browser and Node.js. It provides a rich set of features including interceptors, automatic JSON transformation, and request cancellation. Compared to http-call, Axios offers more advanced features and a larger community support.
node-fetch
Node-fetch is a lightweight module that brings the Fetch API to Node.js. It is minimalistic and focuses on providing a simple API for making HTTP requests. Compared to http-call, node-fetch is more aligned with the Fetch API standard used in browsers.
request
Request is a simplified HTTP client for Node.js with support for various authentication mechanisms, redirects, and more. Although it is now deprecated, it was widely used for its ease of use and extensive feature set. Compared to http-call, request had a more comprehensive feature set but is no longer maintained.