Chiko
github.com
What it is
Chiko is a free, open-source desktop terminal interface for testing gRPC APIs. When a server exposes reflection, it can discover and browse available gRPC endpoints. Chiko creates formatted request templates, and requests can include Bearer-token authorization, custom headers, and other metadata. You can save requests as bookmarks and replay them later. The project lists importing and exporting grpcurl commands as completed features, and a release changelog records SSL connection support. Installation instructions cover Homebrew, Go installation, building from source, and prebuilt releases. Chiko is licensed under the MIT License and lists a Free plan at free, with no paid plans or usage limits stated. OAuth, API keys, proto-file import, and password protection for sensitive bookmarks are listed as work in progress. Felix Angga, identified as a software engineer, is the maker.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Chiko is a terminal interface for testing gRPC APIs.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- License
- The project is licensed under the MIT License.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Maker
- The maker's GitHub profile identifies him as Felix Angga and describes him as a software engineer.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Authentication
- It supports Bearer tokens for requests.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Authorization
- It supports Bearer tokens for request authorization.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Bookmarks
- Users can save requests as bookmarks and replay them.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Current roadmap limits
- The README lists proto file import and enhanced authentication, including OAuth and API keys, as in progress.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- grpcurl support
- It supports importing and exporting grpcurl commands.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Installation
- The project documents installation through Homebrew, Go install, source, and pre-built binaries.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Metadata
- Users can add custom headers and metadata to requests.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Payloads
- It generates request payload templates.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Request metadata
- Users can add custom headers and metadata to requests.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Security limitation
- The roadmap lists OAuth, API keys, and password protection for sensitive bookmarks as in progress.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Server reflection
- It can discover and browse gRPC endpoints when the server supports reflection.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Service discovery
- It can discover and browse gRPC endpoints when the server supports reflection.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- SSL
- A release changelog lists support for SSL connections.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Support and contributions
- The repository invites users to report issues, request features, improve documentation, and contribute code.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Discovers endpoints when server reflection is enabled
- Supports Bearer tokens and custom request metadata
- Saves and replays requests as bookmarks
- Imports and exports grpcurl commands
- Offers Homebrew, Go, source, and binary installation
Limits
- OAuth and API-key authentication remain in progress
- Proto-file import is listed as unfinished
- Sensitive bookmark password protection is not complete
Who it suits
Chiko suits developers who test gRPC services from a terminal and need reflection-based endpoint browsing, request metadata, bookmarks, or grpcurl exchange. It is also relevant to users wanting a free MIT-licensed desktop tool with several installation paths.
Verdict
Chiko covers core terminal-based gRPC exploration with reflection, templated requests, authorization, metadata, and replayable bookmarks. Its roadmap shows that broader authentication and proto-file workflows are not yet completed.
Where Specifiction places it
- gRPC Tools#8 of 248.0