> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/usebruno/bruno/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Desktop App Overview

> Getting started with the Bruno desktop application - your lightweight, open-source API client built with Electron and React

Bruno is a fast, Git-friendly desktop application for exploring and testing APIs. Unlike cloud-based API clients, Bruno stores your collections directly on your filesystem, making it perfect for version control and team collaboration.

## Key Features

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Git-Friendly" icon="git-alt">
    Collections are stored as plain text files in your filesystem, making them easy to version control with Git.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Offline-First" icon="wifi-slash">
    No cloud sync required. Your data stays on your machine. Work anywhere, even without internet.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Multiple Protocols" icon="network-wired">
    Support for REST, GraphQL, gRPC, and WebSocket requests in a single application.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Scripting & Testing" icon="code">
    Powerful JavaScript-based pre-request scripts, post-response scripts, and test assertions.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Technology Stack

Bruno is built using modern web technologies:

* **Framework**: Electron (desktop) + React (UI)
* **State Management**: Redux
* **Styling**: Tailwind CSS
* **Code Editor**: CodeMirror
* **HTTP Client**: Axios
* **Icons**: Tabler Icons
* **File Watching**: Chokidar

## Application Structure

The Bruno desktop app consists of several key areas:

### Sidebar

The left sidebar displays your collections, folders, and requests in a tree structure:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Collections">
    Top-level containers for related API requests. Each collection maps to a folder on your filesystem.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Folders">
    Organize requests within collections. Folders can be nested and support inheritance of auth, headers, and scripts.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Requests">
    Individual API requests (HTTP, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket). Click to open in a new tab.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Request Pane

The main area where you configure your API requests:

* **Query URL**: Enter the endpoint URL with variable interpolation support
* **Tabs**: Params, Body, Headers, Auth, Vars, Script, Assert, Tests, Docs, Settings
* **Method Selector**: GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, etc.

### Response Pane

Displays the response from your API:

* Response body (formatted JSON, XML, HTML, or raw text)
* Headers
* Timeline and performance metrics
* Test results
* Console output from scripts

### Status Bar

Shows collection information, environment selection, and shortcuts to preferences.

## File Format

Bruno uses a custom `.bru` file format that's human-readable and Git-friendly:

```bru theme={null}
meta {
  name: Get Users
  type: http
  seq: 1
}

get {
  url: {{api_url}}/users
  body: none
  auth: bearer
}

auth:bearer {
  token: {{access_token}}
}

assert {
  res.status: eq 200
  res.body.users: isDefined
}

script:pre-request {
  // Set dynamic timestamp
  bru.setVar('timestamp', Date.now());
}

tests {
  test("Users array should not be empty", function() {
    expect(res.body.users).to.be.an('array');
    expect(res.body.users.length).to.be.greaterThan(0);
  });
}
```

## Collections vs Workspaces

<Accordion title="Understanding Collections">
  A **collection** is a folder on your filesystem containing `.bru` files and a `bruno.json` configuration file. Collections are self-contained and can be shared via Git.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Understanding Workspaces">
  A **workspace** is a way to organize multiple collections in Bruno. You can have multiple workspaces (e.g., "Work", "Personal") and switch between them.
</Accordion>

## Keyboard Shortcuts

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Request Actions">
    * **Cmd/Ctrl + Enter**: Send request
    * **Cmd/Ctrl + S**: Save request
    * **Cmd/Ctrl + T**: New request tab
    * **Cmd/Ctrl + W**: Close current tab
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Sidebar Actions">
    * **Cmd/Ctrl + N**: New request
    * **Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + N**: New folder
    * **Cmd/Ctrl + F**: Search in sidebar
    * **F2**: Rename selected item
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Navigation">
    * **Cmd/Ctrl + 1-9**: Switch between tabs
    * **Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + \[**: Previous tab
    * **Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + ]**: Next tab
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Creating Requests" icon="plus" href="/desktop/creating-requests">
    Learn how to create and configure API requests
  </Card>

  <Card title="Request Types" icon="list" href="/desktop/request-types">
    Explore REST, GraphQL, gRPC, and WebSocket support
  </Card>

  <Card title="Authentication" icon="lock" href="/desktop/authentication">
    Configure authentication for your requests
  </Card>

  <Card title="Scripts & Tests" icon="flask" href="/desktop/scripts">
    Add automation with pre-request and post-response scripts
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  Bruno's desktop app is completely offline and privacy-focused. Your data never leaves your machine unless you explicitly share it.
</Note>