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How To Install Postman In Ubuntu Using Terminal

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Installing Postman on Ubuntu Using the Terminal

Postman, a widely used API platform, offers an intuitive user interface and powerful functionality for testing and managing APIs. While the graphical interface provides an easy-to-use experience, installing Postman using the terminal allows for greater control and seamless integration with your Ubuntu environment.

This guide details the steps for installing Postman on Ubuntu using the terminal, ensuring smooth execution and efficient API testing.

Step 1: Update the System and Install Necessary Packages

Before installing Postman, ensure your system is up-to-date and has the required packages. Open a terminal window and run the following commands:

Terminal window
sudo apt update
sudo apt install curl wget gnupg2

These commands will update your package lists, download the latest versions of required software, and install curl, wget, and gnupg2, which are essential for downloading and verifying the Postman installation files.

Step 2: Download the Postman Installation Script

Download the Postman installation script using curl or wget. Here’s how to do it with curl:

Terminal window
curl -fsSL https://dl.pstmn.io/v8/setup-linux-64.sh > setup-postman.sh

You can also use wget:

Terminal window
wget -nv https://dl.pstmn.io/v8/setup-linux-64.sh -O setup-postman.sh

Both commands will download the script and save it as setup-postman.sh in your current directory.

Step 3: Verify the Downloaded Script

Before running the script, verify the downloaded file’s integrity using the following command:

Terminal window
sha256sum setup-postman.sh

Compare the output hash with the one provided on the official Postman download page (e.g., https://www.postman.com/downloads/). If the hashes match, the file is safe to execute.

Step 4: Make the Script Executable

To run the installation script, make it executable using the chmod command:

Terminal window
chmod +x setup-postman.sh

Step 5: Run the Installation Script

Now, run the script to initiate the Postman installation process:

Terminal window
sudo ./setup-postman.sh

The script will guide you through the installation process, prompting for confirmation and potentially asking for your system password.

Step 6: Access Postman

Once the installation is complete, you can access Postman by searching for it in the Ubuntu applications menu or by running the following command in the terminal:

Terminal window
postman

Step 7: Verify Installation

To verify successful installation, open Postman and check if the application loads correctly. You can create a new request, send it to a test API, and evaluate the response to confirm that Postman is working as expected.

Install Postman Without Terminal

While the terminal installation is efficient, you can also install Postman without relying on the command line. Here’s how:

Step 1: Download the Postman .deb Package

Visit the official Postman download page (https://www.postman.com/downloads/) and download the appropriate .deb package for your Ubuntu version (64-bit or 32-bit).

Step 2: Open the .deb Package

Locate the downloaded .deb file and double-click it to open it. Your Ubuntu system will prompt you to install the package.

Step 3: Follow the Installation Wizard

Click “Install” to begin the installation process. Ubuntu will guide you through the steps with a graphical interface.

Step 4: Access Postman

After the installation is complete, you can access Postman from the Applications menu, as with the terminal installation method.

Benefits of Using the Terminal

While both methods provide access to Postman, installing via the terminal offers some unique benefits:

  • Precise Control: The terminal allows for highly customized installation options and fine-grained configuration.
  • Script Automation: You can automate the entire installation process through a script, streamlining installation for future updates or multiple devices.
  • Enhanced Security: Installing through the terminal grants you full transparency over the installation process, enabling you to verify the authenticity and integrity of the downloaded files.

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions on how to install Postman on Ubuntu using the terminal. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth installation process and gain access to the powerful features of Postman for efficient API testing. Whether you prefer the command line or a graphical approach, this guide empowers you to harness the benefits of Postman for your API testing workflow.

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