websocat CLI
websocat connects to WebSocket services from the terminal, sends text or binary messages and supports protocol debugging.
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- MIT
Extended access
Why this level
- The CLI opens network connections; advanced modes can listen on a port and execute a program.
Install
In your terminal, with SkillFoxx CLI
npx skillfoxx add cli/websocatDetects the agents on your machine, shows the access level and pins the version.
Other ways to install
Access and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- The CLI opens network connections; advanced modes can listen on a port and execute a program.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
websocat opens WebSocket connections from the command line and exchanges messages through standard input and output. Developers can inspect service responses without building a client. A server mode supports local testing. It handles text and binary messages, reconnects and transport bridging. Advanced modes connect sockets to programs or other addresses. An agent can prepare tests for a known, authorized protocol.
Who it is for. WebSocket API developers manually checking message exchange and connection behavior.
Good fit when
- A new endpoint needs a short terminal-driven message test.
- A client test needs a local server with visible exchange.
- A script must send prepared messages through standard input.
- A bug involves text versus binary messages or connection shutdown.
Not a fit when
- You need a business client that understands the service without a protocol description.
- You need a graphical request editor with shared collections.
- A connection would expose another system or commands without authorization.
Example request
Prepare a test for our WebSocket endpoint: send this message and save the reply. Do not launch an external server-side process.Limitations
The tool transports messages without understanding a service’s application protocol; prepare message formats and authentication separately. Building stable v1 with newer Rust versions may fail because of legacy dependencies. Android secure connections may require an explicitly configured trusted certificate bundle. Program-execution and transport-bridging modes expand access, so inspect listening addresses and commands before starting them.
How to disable. Stop the client or local server and verify its listening port has closed. Uninstall the binary using the original method if needed.
FAQ
How do I install websocat on FreeBSD?
Run `pkg install websocat`. On another operating system, use its documented installation method.
Are binaries available?
Yes. Choose your platform and architecture from Releases.
Can I start a local server?
Yes. The example uses `websocat -s 1234`; inspect binding and stop it after testing.
How do I close an interactive client?
The example uses Ctrl-D. Verify the test session ends.
Are binary messages supported?
Yes. Select text or binary mode to match the server protocol.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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README in short
Additional examples cover UNIX sockets and browser debugging. Separate documentation lists address types and transports.