Insomnia 12: Kong enhances API tool with MCP support and AI assistance

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Kong has released version 12 of its open-source tool Insomnia, an open-source tool for developing, testing, and documenting APIs. The update expands the software with native support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP) as well as two experimental AI functions. Kong also simplifies access to collaboration features such as Git-sync.

The goal of the release, according to the announcement post, to further unify API and MCP development and automate routine tasks in testing and documentation.

MCP Client for Testing Agent Interfaces

The new MCP feature allows so-called MCP servers to be tested directly from Insomnia. These servers provide tools and prompts for AI agents. Calls can be executed, parameters changed, and messages traced at the protocol level via the familiar interface.

The MCP client is intended to enable the same type of testing and debugging workflows that Insomnia already offers for classic APIs.

Automatic Mock Servers via AI

Also new is the ability to automatically generate mock servers. Users can describe in natural language how the API should function or provide a URL, JSON file, or OpenAPI specification. Based on this, Insomnia creates a functional mock setup. The blog post offers illustrative demo videos for this.

The feature is aimed at teams that want to test APIs while they are still in the design phase or do not have access to production systems. According to Kong, simple simulations can be created in seconds without separate scripts or manual configuration.

AI Support for Commits

Insomnia 12 also automatically suggests commit messages. The software analyzes changes in the repository and generates appropriate descriptions that can be adjusted or discarded. The goal is to improve the traceability of changes without additional writing effort.

As with the mock functions, users can decide whether the AI function is activated and whether an external cloud provider or a local language model should be used for it. Kong points out that AI-generated results should be reviewed.

Adjustments to Collaboration Features

In the collaboration model, Kong is primarily supplementing the free Essentials plan: Git-sync is now included for three users. Those who want to test advanced features such as SSO, SCIM, or role-based access control can start a 14-day enterprise trial and manage up to 50 seats themselves.

With these adjustments, Kong aims to facilitate the use of Insomnia in small teams without a paid subscription being immediately necessary.

(mdo)