Is there an open source (read free) tool that allows me to see my browser's HTTP commands?

Question

I am getting into HTTP protocol specifics and I would like to see/understand the calls my browser makes as it is being used. I use Firebug (with Firefox) to look at/debug AJAX interactions, etc, but don't see the full HTTP conversation.

Is there something similar for viewing HTTP commands issued by a browser?

Answer 1

Yes, you can monitor your connection with Wireshark.

Answer 2

Fiddler is pretty good for looking at the HTTP level, and wireshark will let you look at whats going on at the TCP level.

Answer 3

HttpFox or the venerable LiveHttpHeaders

Answer 4

You can see all the HTTP requests your browser makes for a page (not just AJAX) with the Firebug net panel. Or you can switch to a proxy tool like Fiddler or Charles to see all the http requests made by the browser. If you need more detail, Microsoft VRTA is a free tool that makes netmon data easier to read, and doesn't depend on a proxy.

Answer 5

I use Tamper Data, a Firefox add-on, to see HTTP requests and responses, and to manipulate them.

Answer 6

Proxy from Burp Suite lets you see/modify HTTP requests/responses.