BrowserStack's Strategic Acquisition of Requestly
In a significant move aimed at boosting developer efficiency and tackling prevalent bottlenecks in modern web development, BrowserStack has officially acquired Requestly, a well-loved tool that specializes in HTTP interception and API mocking. This acquisition not only strengthens BrowserStack's commitment to enhancing developer productivity, but also provides a platform for Requestly to further enrich its offerings in the realm of HTTP simulation.
Founded by developers who understood the pain points of software creation, Requestly emerged as a solution to combat the common hindrances faced by front-end developers. Many of these developers are often dependent on back-end teams for finishing APIs, which slows down their workflow. Furthermore, unreliable back-end services during development and testing can create problematic delays, leading to blocked projects and frustrated teams. Requestly steps in as a remedy by offering browser-based interception and simulation capabilities.
One of the significant advantages of Requestly is its ability to streamline the development process through various innovative features:
- - HTTP Interception and Debugging: Requestly accelerates web development with comprehensive tools that tackle everything from cloud-based simulations to local testing using JavaScript redirections. This makes it a one-stop solution for developers.
- - Zero Configuration Setup: Users can easily install the browser extension without the need to adjust system-level proxy settings or install SSL certificates, ensuring compatibility with corporate VPNs. This ease of use removes a significant barrier for new users.
- - Open Source Flexibility: Being an open-source tool, Requestly provides a secure, versatile environment that supports enterprise functionalities such as single sign-on (SSO), service-level agreements (SLA), SOC-II compliance, reporting and analytics, as well as role-based access controls.
- - Seamless Workflow Integration: Designed primarily as a minimalistic browser extension, the user-friendly interface requires no learning curve, allowing developers to dive right into their projects.
- - Enhanced Team Collaboration: Requestly promotes effective teamwork by enabling users to create shared projects and instantly collaborate on rules, environments, and simulations.
The popularity of Requestly is evident in its impressive adoption rate, with over 200,000 developers from more than 10,000 organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, relying on its capabilities. It boasts a solid 4.3 rating in the Chrome Store from over 1,200 reviews and continues to grow thanks to its active open-source community.
Sachin Jain, founder of Requestly, shared insights about the integration: “Requestly originated from our frustration of witnessing developers lose hours due to broken workflows during end-to-end code testing due to backend dependencies. Joining BrowserStack allows us to stay true to our core values while accelerating our roadmap to address developers’ pain points more effectively.”
On the BrowserStack side, Ritesh Arora, co-founder and CEO, emphasized the innovative browser-native approach of Requestly and the passionate community behind it as pivotal factors in their acquisition decision. He expressed excitement to support Requestly’s revolutionary strides in HTTP interception and simulation while retaining its focus on being open-source and accessible to developers.
The journey of Requestly reflects the evolving needs of modern web development. Initially, it emerged in 2018 as a basic tool for redirecting JavaScript files for local testing. Over time, it transformed into a comprehensive solution that assists developers in managing HTTP requests effectively. Features like workspace collaboration have further solidified Requestly's relevance, and there are plans to expand support for mobile emulators in upcoming versions.
Understanding that API mocking represents a core market need, the Requestly team has focused its efforts on facilitating a better experience for developers. Consequently, they’ve incorporated enterprise features and maintained compliance with SOC2 Type II standards, culminating in a robust interception and simulation tool that still embraces its open-source foundation.
BrowserStack is dedicated to ensuring that Requestly remains an independent, open-source tool, enabling continued accessibility and flexibility for the developer community. With future plans to introduce HTTP interception and simulation capabilities for mobile devices, Requestly is set to further enhance its offerings.
Developers can continue to enjoy Requestly as an open-source tool, now backed by BrowserStack's resources and unwavering commitment to developer productivity. The Requestly extension is available for download from the Chrome Web Store or as a standalone Mac application.
About BrowserStack
BrowserStack is a leading software testing platform that conducts millions of tests daily across its global data centers. Supporting major players like Amazon and Microsoft, BrowserStack facilitates seamless software delivery by rapidly scaling testing capabilities in the cloud. Founded in 2011, the company is privately funded and continues to innovate in the testing space.
About Requestly
Requestly serves more than 200,000 developers across over 10,000 organizations, providing an invaluable solution for simulating and intercepting HTTP requests. Known for its lightweight, browser-centered approach, Requestly saves developers significant time, enabling accelerated software delivery. Funded by prestigious investors including YCombinator, Requestly remains committed to empowering developers through open-source principles.