Rest client for Android

Abstract

The aim of this final year project is to explore various ways to build an Android REST client by evaluating existing solutions and approaches. The project introduces several popular REST client libraries and persistence options, which allow to simplify an interaction with RESTful Web services and enable important features, such as caching, response parsing and result filtering. Object relational mapping and networking solutions are covered in detail. The practical result of the study is illustrated in a start-up application developed since May 2014 to demonstrate the whole development process from back-end solution selection until the product is ready for the market. The materials are presented in the form of analysis, extensive code listings and figures. Several approaches and products have been compared to provide comprehensive insight according to the discovered facts. The main components and resources utilized by the application are SQLite, BaasBox Android SDK and custom Content Provider working in a pair with SyncAdapter. SQLite and BaasBox were replaced with Realm and Retrofit in the later part of the work due to certain constraints and performance issues. Modularity of an application is suggested as a key element essential for successful development. Information gathered during development is analysed and the most efficient solutions are planned to be applied in future projects.