Skip to content

HTTP Request Method and URL

Overview

The URL panel in Martini's HTTP Request Editor is where you define the target of every HTTP request: the HTTP method and the full URL. It includes a dedicated Parameters tab for managing query and path parameters without manually editing the URL string; the URL field and the parameter table remain automatically in sync.

What You Will Learn

  • How to select an HTTP method and enter a target URL
  • How to add, exclude, and remove query parameters from the Parameters tab
  • How to define path parameters in the URL using {parameterName} syntax
  • How to use variables in the URL field and Parameters tab

When To Use This

Use this when you need to:

  • Point a request at a specific endpoint using a complete URL
  • Add or temporarily disable query parameters without rewriting the URL string
  • Define dynamic URL path segments that are parameterized at runtime
  • Substitute stored variable values into the URL or parameters at request time

Prerequisites

HTTP Method and URL Configuration

Every HTTP request requires two things before it can be sent: an HTTP method and a target URL. These are configured at the top of the HTTP Request Editor and are the first fields you fill in when setting up a new request.

Setting the HTTP Method

The HTTP method defines the action the request performs on the target resource. Use the dropdown to the left of the URL field to select the method that matches the operation you want to perform.

Supported methods:

Method Purpose
GET Retrieve a resource
HEAD Retrieve response headers only, without a body
POST Submit data to create or process a resource
PUT Replace a resource with the provided data
PATCH Partially update an existing resource
DELETE Remove a resource
OPTIONS Describe the communication options available for the target resource
TRACE Perform a message loop-back test

Entering the Target URL

The target URL identifies where Martini sends the request. Enter the full target URL in the text field next to the HTTP method dropdown.

URLs follow this standard structure:

1
2
3
4
5
        userinfo     host        port
        ┌─┴────┐ ┌────┴────────┐ ┌┴┐
https://john.doe@www.example.com:123/forum/questions/?tag=networking&order=newest
└─┬─┘ └───────┬────────────────────┘└─┬─────────────┘└──┬───────────────────────┘
scheme     authority                 path              query

URL Key Terms

Term Definition
Scheme The protocol prefix (http or https) that determines how the connection is made
Authority The combination of optional user info, host, and port that identifies the server
Path The slash-separated route to the target resource on the server
Query Key-value pairs appended after ? that filter or customize the response

URL Parameters

The Parameters tab manages both query parameters and path parameters for a request. Martini automatically populates this tab when you type parameters directly into the URL field, and you can also add or modify them here without editing the URL string directly.

Managing Query Parameters

Query parameters appear after the ? in a URL as key-value pairs — for example, ?tag=networking&order=newest.

You can manage query parameters in two ways:

  • By editing the URL field directly
  • By adding or removing entries in the Parameters tab

Changes made in either place are automatically reflected in the other, keeping both views in sync.

Adding Query Parameters

To add a query parameter using the Parameters tab:

  1. Open the Parameters tab in the HTTP Request Editor.
  2. Click the Add button in the Parameters toolbar, or press + .
  3. Fill in the following fields:
    • Name - The query parameter key
    • Value - The value assigned to the parameter
    • Description - Optional note describing the parameter's purpose

Expected result: The URL field updates to include the new query parameter.

Removing Query Parameters

To remove a query parameter using the Parameters tab:

  1. Open the Parameters tab in the HTTP Request Editor.
  2. There are two options to remove a parameter from the request:
    • Delete query parameters:
      • Select one or more parameters in the Parameters table.
      • Click the Delete button in the Parameters toolbar, or press .
    • Exclude query parameters: Uncheck the checkbox next to the parameter name to remove it from the request while keeping it in the table for future use.

Expected result: The URL field updates to reflect the removed or excluded query parameter(s).

Defining Path Parameters

Path parameters are variable segments embedded directly in the URL path. Define them directly in the URL by enclosing the parameter name in curly braces {}:

1
https://www.example.com:123/forum/questions/{pathParameterName}

Once a path parameter is included in the URL, it appears in the Parameters tab, where you can:

  • Set the Value for the request
  • Add an optional Description

To remove or rename a path parameter, simply edit the URL directly.

Expected result: Changes in the URL or Parameters tab are kept in sync, ensuring the request uses the correct path values.

Using Variables in the URL and Parameters

Variables let you reference stored values by name instead of hardcoding them into a request. Martini resolves variable references when the request is sent, substituting each reference with the variable's current value. For information on how to define variables, see Managing Variables in Martini's HTTP Client.

The syntax for referencing a variable is:

1
[[variableName]]

Where You Can Use Variables

Variables can be referenced in:

  • The URL field — anywhere in the URL string
  • The Parameters table — in the Name or Value column of any query or path parameter

Variables can also be concatenated with static text:

Location Example
URL field https://[[host]]/api/users
Query parameter value [[apiVersion]]
Query parameter value (concatenated) v[[apiVersion]]
Path parameter value (in Parameters tab) [[userId]]

Using Variables with Path Parameters

To keep a path parameter visible and editable in the Parameters tab while still resolving it from a variable, define the parameter using {} in the URL and set its value to a variable reference in the Parameters tab:

  1. Define the path parameter in the URL using {}: 
    1
    https://api.example.com/users/{userId}
  2. Open the Parameters tab.
  3. Set the Value of userId to the variable reference — for example, [[userId]].

Inline Path Variable

You can write a variable reference directly in the URL path — for example: 

1
https://api.example.com/users/[[userId]]
Martini will substitute the value at runtime. However, the segment will not appear in the Parameters tab because Martini cannot parse [[variableName]] as a path parameter.

Troubleshooting URL Parameter Issues

Problem Detection Cause Fix
Delete button is disabled Toolbar Delete button remains grayed out after selecting parameters A path parameter is included in the selection Deselect the path parameter, then delete the remaining query parameters
Parameters tab not in sync with URL input Parameters tab does not reflect query parameters typed into the URL ? is missing from the URL, so key-value pairs are not parsed as query parameters Check the URL field and ensure it includes ? before the first query parameter
Path parameter missing from Parameters tab Path parameter defined in the URL does not appear in the Parameters tab Parameter name is not enclosed properly in curly braces {} Edit the URL and wrap the parameter name in {}, for example {paramName}
Variable used inline as a path parameter Path segment written as [[variableName]] does not appear in the Parameters tab Martini cannot parse [[variableName]] as a path parameter Use {paramName} in the URL and set the parameter value to [[variableName]] in the Parameters tab

Helpful Resources