Android Developer Tips: Which HTTP Client is Best? Apache vs HttpURLConnection

This post is brought to you by Applico’s monthly Lunch n’ Learn series. Each month, Applico holds a platform specific (Android, iOS) developer meet-up to discuss new findings, bugs, ideas and anything else relating to the current state of the OS they work on every day.

Apache vs. HttpURLConnection

Most Android apps use either the HttpURLConnection client or the Apahce HTTP client. At our last lunch n’ learn, our android developers debated the practicality of both. While each has its own set of quirks and bugs, what it really comes down to is the OS version you’re targeting with the app. Apache was less buggy in the days of Eclair and Froyo. However, due to the large size of the API, the android team is no longer supporting it. That being said, it appears as if HttpURLConnection is the better choice moving forward. Devices running Gingerbread (which just cracked 50% of market share), Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich will be better off if you use HttpURLConnection.

Are you an Android Developer?

If so, we hope you find this information useful. We will be sharing more insights from last weeks Lunch n Learn soon. We’d also like to let you know that we’re hiring android developers in NYC and LA. Please contact us if you’re interested, we’re always looking for talented Android engineers.

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Filed under: Product Engineering | Topics: android, android apps developers, android developers, apache, http, mobile