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Postman

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

Web testing · Beginner · Web testing lane

BeginnerAPI Testing
Authorized usage only. Capture and inspect traffic only on systems and networks you own or have written permission to analyze.

What is Postman?

Postman builds and tests HTTP APIs with collections and environments.

Explore APIs, auth flows, and negative tests on authorized APIs.

Official website: Postman · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Build and test HTTP/API requests with collections and environments.
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for Postman.
  • You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

Who uses it?

  • AppSec engineers
  • Bug bounty hunters (in-scope)
  • Penetration testers

How do you use it? (typical flow)

  1. Install Postman using the steps below (prefer Kali package or official installer).
  2. Confirm you have authorization for the target (lab VM, own system, or written scope).
  3. Run --help / man (or the Help section) to see current flags for your version.
  4. Start with a safe example from Basic commands against localhost or an authorized lab target.
  5. Record what you ran, what you observed, and any follow-up (filter, report, remediation).

Help & manual (like man / --help)

Every serious tool has a built-in way to look up flags. Learn these first so you are not stuck memorizing every option.

  1. 1. Docs

    https://learning.postman.com/docs/

Kali Linux

Desktop app install — not Kali-core; Insomnia/curl are CLI-friendly alternatives.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxDesktop app install — not Kali-core; Insomnia/curl are CLI-friendly alternatives.
Allhttps://www.postman.com/downloads/

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Smoke-test an API you own

    GET {{baseUrl}}/health

    Smoke-test an API you own

  2. 2. Show help

    GET --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. 3. Short help

    GET -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. 4. CLI help

    --help

    CLI help

Options / flags

OptionPurpose
--helpCLI help

5. Useful features

  • Collections
  • Environment variables
  • Pre-request scripts

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Smoke-test an API you own

    GET {{baseUrl}}/health

    Smoke-test an API you own

  2. Example 2: Show help

    GET --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. Example 3: Short help

    GET -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. Example 4: CLI help

    --help

    CLI help

7. Important notes

  • Use only on APIs you are authorized to test.
  • Authorized targets only — labs, systems you own, or written permission.
  • Prefer reading --help / man / official docs for your installed version; flags change over time.

Related course: web application security · bug bounty hunting · Commands: /commands#burp