// dragonfly-vs-thunder-client.md
Dragonfly vs Thunder Client
Thunder Client is the closest peer: a REST client that also runs inside VS Code. The difference is where your requests come from. Dragonfly reads your codebase and builds them for you, and it stays free with no paid tier.
#Where Dragonfly is different
- Scan Express and Next.js routes into a collection instead of typing every URL.
- Collections are foldered to match your codebase structure.
- Auth secrets live in VS Code secure storage, never a JSON file.
- Free and MIT licensed, with nothing held back behind a paid plan.
#Side by side
| Feature | Dragonfly | Thunder Client |
|---|---|---|
| Runs inside VS Code | ||
| Builds requests by scanning your code (Express & Next.js) | – | |
| Collections foldered to match your codebase | – | |
| Auth secrets kept in VS Code secure storage | – | |
| Environments with {{variables}} | ||
| Works with no account | ||
| Everything stays on your machine | ||
| Free, no paid tier | – |
Comparison reflects the free, out-of-the-box experience of each tool.