axios vs unirest: What are the differences?

Introduction: In web development, there are various libraries and frameworks available to make HTTP requests and handle APIs. Two commonly used libraries are axios and unirest. While both libraries serve similar purposes, there are key differences between them that developers need to be aware of. This Markdown code provides an overview of the key differences between axios and unirest.

1. Response Handling: The way axios and unirest handle HTTP responses differs significantly. Axios provides a promise-based API which allows for easy data manipulation and handling of response and error states. On the other hand, unirest returns the full response object, including status codes, headers, and the response body, making it more versatile and flexible for complex scenarios.

2. Syntax and Usage: The syntax and usage of axios and unirest also vary. Axios follows a simple and straightforward syntax, allowing users to send HTTP requests with just a single line of code. Unirest, on the other hand, requires additional lines of code for specific actions such as setting headers or handling redirects.

3. File Upload: Axios provides a built-in capability for uploading files through forms and multipart requests. This capability allows developers to easily handle file uploads without the need for additional libraries or plugins. Unirest, on the other hand, does not provide native support for file uploads, requiring developers to use alternative methods or additional libraries.

4. Request Interceptors: Axios allows the use of request interceptors, which are functions that can be executed before a request is made. This enables developers to manipulate the request configuration or perform actions such as adding authentication headers. Unirest, on the other hand, does not provide built-in support for request interceptors, requiring developers to use alternative approaches.

5. Browser Compatibility: One significant difference between axios and unirest is their browser compatibility. Axios is designed to work in both Node.js and browser environments, making it a versatile choice for both server-side and client-side applications. Unirest, on the other hand, is primarily targeted towards server-side environments and may require additional configuration or adaptations to work in the browser.

6. Community Support and Documentation: The level of community support and documentation for axios and unirest also differs. Axios has a larger and more active community, making it easier to find help, examples, and solutions to common issues. Unirest, although capable, may have a smaller community and somewhat limited documentation, which may require developers to rely more on their own troubleshooting skills and experimentation.

In Summary, axios and unirest differ in their response handling, syntax, file upload capabilities, request interceptors, browser compatibility, and community support. Developers should consider these differences when choosing between the two libraries for their specific use cases and requirements.