> ## 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.

# Introduction to Bruno

> Bruno is an open-source API client that stores collections directly on your filesystem, enabling Git collaboration and offline-first development.

## Welcome to Bruno

Bruno is a new and innovative API client, aimed at revolutionizing the status quo represented by Postman and similar tools. Built with React and Electron, Bruno brings a fresh approach to API development and testing.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Offline-First" icon="wifi-slash">
    No cloud sync, ever. Your data stays on your device, ensuring complete privacy and control.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Git-Native" icon="code-branch">
    Collections stored as plain text files in a folder, making version control seamless with Git or any VCS.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cross-Platform" icon="desktop">
    Run Bruno on Mac, Windows, and Linux with native installers and package managers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Developer-Friendly" icon="code">
    Built using React and Electron with a focus on developer experience and modern workflows.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Why Bruno?

### Collections as Code

Bruno stores your API collections directly in a folder on your filesystem using a plain text markup language called **Bru**. This means:

* Version control your API collections with Git
* Collaborate with your team using pull requests
* Review API changes in your standard code review workflow
* No vendor lock-in - your data is always accessible

### Privacy-First Design

Bruno is **offline-only**. There are no plans to add cloud-sync to Bruno, ever. We value your data privacy and believe it should stay on your device.

<Info>
  Read our long-term vision on [data privacy and sustainability](https://github.com/usebruno/bruno/discussions/269).
</Info>

## The Bru Language

Bruno uses a simple, readable format for storing API requests. Here's an example:

```bru theme={null}
meta {
  name: echo json
  type: http
  seq: 2
}

post {
  url: {{host}}/api/echo/json
  body: json
  auth: none
}

headers {
  foo: bar
}

body:json {
  {
    "hello": "bruno"
  }
}

assert {
  res.status: eq 200
}

script:pre-request {
  bru.setVar("foo", "bar");
}

tests {
  test("should return json", function() {
    const data = res.getBody();
    expect(res.getBody()).to.eql({
      "hello": "bruno"
    });
  });
}
```

## Technology Stack

Bruno is built with modern, battle-tested technologies:

* **Frontend**: React with Tailwind CSS
* **Desktop**: Electron
* **State Management**: Redux
* **Code Editors**: CodeMirror
* **Icons**: Tabler Icons
* **Forms**: Formik with Yup validation
* **HTTP Client**: Axios
* **File Watching**: Chokidar
* **Internationalization**: i18next

## Open Source & Sustainability

The majority of Bruno's features are free and open source. We strive to strike a harmonious balance between open-source principles and sustainability.

<Card title="Explore Commercial Features" icon="sparkles" href="https://www.usebruno.com/pricing">
  Check out our paid versions to see if there are additional features that you or your team may find useful.
</Card>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Install Bruno" icon="download" href="/installation">
    Get Bruno installed on your machine in minutes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Quick Start" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    Make your first API request with Bruno.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Documentation" icon="book" href="https://docs.usebruno.com">
    Explore the full documentation.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Join Community" icon="discord" href="https://discord.com/invite/KgcZUncpjq">
    Get help and connect with other Bruno users.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Community & Support

Join thousands of developers using Bruno:

* [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/usebruno/bruno/discussions)
* [Discord Community](https://discord.com/invite/KgcZUncpjq)
* [Stack Overflow](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/bruno)
* [Twitter/X](https://twitter.com/use_bruno)
* [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/usebruno)

<Tip>
  If Bruno has helped you at work and your teams, please share your [testimonials on GitHub](https://github.com/usebruno/bruno/discussions/343).
</Tip>