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Web Agents in Sparrow

When sending API requests from the Sparrow Web application, you can choose between multiple agents to control how and where the requests are executed.

Agents provide flexibility in how your requests are routed — whether through your browser, Sparrow's secure cloud, or via a connected desktop application.

Available Web Agents​

Sparrow Web currently supports the following agent types:

Cloud Agent (Default)​

Securely send requests via Sparrow's cloud-based execution layer.

  • Handles CORS issues gracefully
  • Does not expose your credentials to browser memory
  • Ideal for production/staging environments or APIs with strict CORS rules Best For:
  • Secure and stable API testing
  • Accessing APIs behind firewalls
  • Managing token-based auth flows safely

Browser Agent​

Sends requests directly from your local browser context.

  • Fully client-side
  • Good for public/open APIs and rapid tests
  • Subject to browser limitations (CORS, DNS, auth headers) Best For:
  • Testing lightweight or unauthenticated endpoints
  • Quick debugging in local environments
  • API mocking or educational scenarios

Sparrow Desktop (No Agent Needed)​

Executes requests via your installed Sparrow Desktop app.

  • Runs with elevated access and native integrations
  • Fully isolated from browser limits
  • Supports localhost testing seamlessly Best For:
  • Accessing local servers
  • Long-running test flows
  • Desktop-native collections and mocks

Don't have the desktop app? Click “Download Now” from the agent selector to download and install it.

Switching Agents​

To switch the agent in Sparrow Web:

  1. Click the agent dropdown in the top-left of the request panel
  2. Select from:
    • Cloud Agent
    • Browser Agent
    • Sparrow Desktop
  3. Your selection is immediately applied to all request executions

ExclusiveWebFeatures

Agent selection persists across sessions for the same user in a given workspace.

Best Practices​

  • Use Cloud Agent for secure, production-grade APIs
  • Use Browser Agent for quick tests without auth
  • Use Sparrow Desktop when working with localhost or in enterprise firewall conditions