Head-to-Head: Axios vs Request (deprecated) Analysis

axios

v1.7.9(22 days ago)

This package is actively maintained.Types definitions are bundled with the npm packageNumber of direct dependencies: 3Monthly npm downloads

Axios is a popular promise-based HTTP client for the browser and Node.js. It provides an easy-to-use API for making HTTP requests and handling responses, supporting features like interceptors, request and response transformations, and automatic JSON data parsing. Axios is widely used for its simplicity, flexibility, and robust error handling capabilities.

Alternatives:
fetch+
node-fetch+
got+
superagent+
ky+
request+
needle+
httpie+
unfetch+
axios-hooks+

Tags: javascripthttpclientpromise-basedinterceptors

request

v2.88.2(almost 5 years ago)

This package is deprecated: request has been deprecated, see https://github.com/request/request/issues/3142Types definitions are provided via a separate npm package: @types/requestNumber of direct dependencies: 20Monthly npm downloads

Request is a popular and versatile HTTP client library for Node.js, designed to simplify making HTTP requests and handling responses. It supports various HTTP methods, including GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, and more, and provides features like streaming, cookies, and authentication. Request allows for easy customization of headers, query parameters, and request body, making it suitable for a wide range of use cases.

Alternatives:
axios+
node-fetch+
got+
superagent+
needle+
ky+
undici+
fetch+
axios-fetch+
isomorphic-fetch+

Tags: node.jshttpclientrequestdeprecated

Fight!

Popularity

Axios is currently more popular and widely used than Request. It has gained a strong following in the JavaScript community and is often the preferred choice for making HTTP requests.

Size

Axios has a smaller bundle size compared to Request. It is lightweight and optimized for modern browsers. Request, on the other hand, has a larger codebase and may include additional dependencies.

Flexibility

Both Axios and Request provide flexibility in making HTTP requests. However, Axios has a more intuitive and easy-to-use API, with support for promises and async/await syntax. Request, on the other hand, has a more traditional callback-based API.

Functionality

Both libraries offer similar functionality for making HTTP requests. They support features like setting headers, handling cookies, and handling redirects. However, Axios provides additional features like automatic JSON parsing and request cancellation out of the box.

Browser and Node.js Support

Axios is designed to work in both browser and Node.js environments, making it a versatile choice. Request is primarily focused on Node.js and may require additional configuration to work in the browser.

Maintenance

Both Axios and Request are actively maintained by their respective communities. However, Axios has a larger community and more frequent updates, which ensures better support and bug fixes.