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As Android developers, choosing the right HTTP client for your project is a critical decision. Two of the most popular options today are Retrofit and Ktor. While Retrofit has been the de facto standard for years, Ktor is gaining momentum due to its modern architecture and flexibility.

In this article, we’ll explore scenarios where you should choose Retrofit or Ktor and how their strengths align with your app’s requirements.

Understanding the Basics

Retrofit

Retrofit is a type-safe HTTP client for Android and Java developed by Square. It abstracts API calls into declarative interfaces and handles parsing JSON into Java/Kotlin objects seamlessly using libraries like Gson or Moshi.

Ktor

Ktor, developed by JetBrains, is a Kotlin-first asynchronous framework for building connected applications. It’s not just an HTTP client but a multipurpose framework, enabling you to build backend services and make network requests with the same library.

When to Use Retrofit?
1. You Need Simplicity and Readability

If you prefer an intuitive way to make API calls using predefined interfaces, Retrofit is an excellent choice.

Example:

interface ApiService {
    @GET("posts")
    suspend fun getPosts(): List<Post>
}

With Retrofit, you can define your API structure upfront and focus on the business logic.

2. Your Team is Already Familiar with Retrofit

If your team has existing experience with Retrofit, sticking with it reduces the learning curve and accelerates development.

3. You Require Out-of-the-Box Features

Retrofit provides robust features like:

  • Automatic parsing of JSON responses.
  • Built-in support for OkHttp interceptors.
  • Easy implementation of retries, caching, and logging.
4. You Work in a Multi-Language Environment

Retrofit is ideal for projects involving both Java and Kotlin, making it a great choice for legacy codebases.

5. You Need a Large Community and Resources

Retrofit’s maturity means abundant documentation, tutorials, and community support, making it a safer bet for many teams.

When to Use Ktor?
1. You Need High Customizability

Ktor allows you to build your HTTP client with fine-grained control over request building, logging, and custom pipelines.

Example:

val client = HttpClient {
    install(JsonFeature) {
        serializer = KotlinxSerializer()
    }
}
2. You Want to Leverage Kotlin Multiplatform

Ktor’s multiplatform support is one of its standout features. If you’re building apps for Android, iOS, and other platforms, Ktor ensures you use the same networking logic everywhere.

3. You’re Building Lightweight or Modular Apps

Ktor’s modular design makes it an ideal choice for lightweight applications or projects where the networking stack needs to be lean and focused.

4. You Need Asynchronous Communication

Ktor uses coroutines natively, which makes handling concurrency simpler and more efficient than traditional callback-based approaches.

5. You Want Unified Backend and Frontend Code

With Ktor, you can build server-side APIs and mobile apps using the same framework, simplifying development and ensuring consistency.

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Which Should You Choose?
Comparison Table
Go with Retrofit if:
  • You’re working on a Kotlin or Java project where simplicity and rapid development are priorities.
  • Your project relies on tried-and-true tools with extensive community support.
  • You need minimal configuration for REST APIs.
Go with Ktor if:
  • You’re building a Kotlin Multiplatform project.
  • You want a modern, flexible networking stack.
  • You need to support both frontend and backend development.
Conclusion

Choosing between Retrofit and Ktor depends on your project’s needs and your team’s familiarity with the tools. Retrofit is a solid, reliable choice for traditional Android projects, while Ktor excels in modern Kotlin-first and multiplatform applications. Understanding these differences will help you make the right choice for your next Android app.

. . .

Dobri Kostadinov
Android Consultant | Trainer
Email me | Follow me on LinkedIn | Follow me on Medium | Buy me a coffee

This article is previously published on proandroiddev.com.

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