Top Android Downloader Libraries

Top Android Downloader Libraries.

Downloading files is a common task in Android app development. To simplify this process and enhance the download functionality, various libraries are available that provide additional features like pause/resume, progress tracking, error handling, and more. In this tutorial, we will explore some of the popular Android downloader libraries and learn how to integrate them into your Android projects.

1. Retrofit

Retrofit is a widely used networking library that also supports file downloading. It provides a high-level API for making HTTP requests and handles the download process seamlessly. To start using Retrofit, add the following dependency to your project's build.gradle file:

implementation 'com.squareup.retrofit2:retrofit:2.x.x'
implementation 'com.squareup.retrofit2:converter-gson:2.x.x' // for JSON parsing

To download a file using Retrofit, create an interface with the desired download endpoint:

interface FileDownloadService {
    @GET("files/{filename}")
    @Streaming
    fun downloadFile(@Path("filename") filename: String): Call<ResponseBody>
}

Now, create a Retrofit instance and make the download request:

val retrofit = Retrofit.Builder()
    .baseUrl("https://example.com/")
    .build()

val fileDownloadService = retrofit.create(FileDownloadService::class.java)
val call = fileDownloadService.downloadFile("example.pdf")
call.enqueue(object : Callback<ResponseBody> {
    override fun onResponse(call: Call<ResponseBody>, response: Response<ResponseBody>) {
        // Handle successful download
    }

    override fun onFailure(call: Call<ResponseBody>, t: Throwable) {
        // Handle download failure
    }
})

2. Android Download Manager

Android Download Manager is a system service provided by Android that allows you to handle long-running downloads efficiently. It takes care of network connectivity, retrying failed downloads, and supports features like pause/resume and progress tracking. To use the Android Download Manager, you don't need to add any external libraries. Here's an example of how to initiate a download using the Android Download Manager:

val downloadManager = getSystemService(Context.DOWNLOAD_SERVICE) as DownloadManager

val downloadUri = Uri.parse("https://example.com/example.pdf")
val request = DownloadManager.Request(downloadUri)
    .setTitle("My File")
    .setDescription("Downloading")
    .setNotificationVisibility(DownloadManager.Request.VISIBILITY_VISIBLE_NOTIFY_COMPLETED)
    .setDestinationInExternalPublicDir(Environment.DIRECTORY_DOWNLOADS, "example.pdf")

val downloadId = downloadManager.enqueue(request)

To track the download progress, register a broadcast receiver:

val downloadCompleteReceiver = object : BroadcastReceiver() {
    override fun onReceive(context: Context, intent: Intent) {
        val id = intent.getLongExtra(DownloadManager.EXTRA_DOWNLOAD_ID, -1)
        // Handle download completion
    }
}

val filter = IntentFilter(DownloadManager.ACTION_DOWNLOAD_COMPLETE)
registerReceiver(downloadCompleteReceiver, filter)

3. PRDownloader

PRDownloader is a powerful library that simplifies file downloading in Android. It supports features like parallel downloading, pause/resume, and provides progress callbacks. To integrate PRDownloader, add the following dependency to your project's build.gradle file:

implementation 'com.androidnetworking:downloader:1.0.0'

To download a file using PRDownloader, use the following code:

val url = "https://example.com/example.pdf"
val dirPath = getExternalFilesDir(null)?.absolutePath
val fileName = "example.pdf"

val downloadId = PRDownloader.download(url, dirPath, fileName)
    .build()
    .setOnProgressListener { progress ->
        // Handle progress updates
    }
    .start(object : OnDownloadListener {
        override fun onDownloadComplete() {
            // Handle download completion
        }

        override fun onError(error: com.downloader.Error) {
            // Handle download error
        }
    })

Additional Libraries

Here are a few additional Android downloader libraries you might find useful:

• DownloadManagerPro: A wrapper library that adds additional functionality to the Android Download Manager. GitHub Repository
• FileDownloader: A powerful and easy-to-use file downloader library with advanced features. GitHub Repository
• OkHttp: A popular networking library that supports file downloading as well. GitHub Repository

Feel free to explore these libraries based on your requirements and choose the one that best suits your needs.

That's it! You now have a good understanding of some of the top Android downloader libraries and how to use them in your projects. Happy coding!