Optimizing API calls in Android development is important for making your app run smoothly. Here are some simple strategies you can use to improve performance:

1. Batch Requests

Instead of making many separate API calls, try combining them into one request. This saves time and resources by reducing the number of connections your app needs to make.

2. Caching Responses

You can save API responses in a cache. This means that when your app requests the same data again, it can get it from the cache rather than making a new call. Libraries like Retrofit and OkHttp help with caching HTTP responses.

Here’s a simple example of how to set up caching:

val cacheSize = 10 * 1024 * 1024 // 10 MiB
val cache = Cache(directory, cacheSize)
val okHttpClient = OkHttpClient.Builder()
    .cache(cache)
    .build()

3. Use Pagination

When you have a lot of data to show, use pagination. This means loading the data in smaller parts, which helps your app start faster and feel more responsive.

4. Optimize JSON Parsing

Choose simple and quick libraries for parsing JSON, like Moshi or Gson. Fast parsing reduces the time it takes to change API responses into data your app can use.

5. Throttling and Debouncing

For things like search boxes that can create many API calls quickly, use throttling or debouncing. These techniques help control how many requests are sent in a short time.

6. Use Background Threads

Always run network tasks on a background thread. Use tools like Coroutines or AsyncTasks to keep the main thread free. This makes sure your app stays responsive and does not freeze.

By using these helpful techniques, you can greatly improve the performance of API calls, making your app a better experience for users.