Question 1

How do I handle errors with Ion requests?

Accepted Answer

Ion uses FutureCallback with an Exception parameter in onCompleted; check for non-null exceptions to handle errors, and use try-catch for blocking calls with .get(). This is shown in the JSON and file download examples.

Question 2

Ion vs Retrofit for Android: which should I use?

Accepted Answer

Ion is better for apps needing combined networking and image loading with built-in lifecycle management, while Retrofit excels at type-safe REST API calls with modern Kotlin coroutine support. Choose based on whether you value integration or modularity.

Question 3

How to load images with Ion in a RecyclerView without memory issues?

Accepted Answer

Use Ion.with(imageView).load(url) with placeholder and error settings; Ion automatically handles caching and weak references, but cancel requests manually when views are recycled using .cancel() or request groups to avoid leaks.

Question 4

Does Ion support Kotlin coroutines natively?

Accepted Answer

The README mentions Kotlin coroutine/suspend support via an adapter, but it's not the primary API. You'll need additional setup, and it may not be as seamless as libraries designed with coroutines first.

Question 5

How to cancel all Ion requests when the app goes to background?

Accepted Answer

Call Ion.getDefault(activity).cancelAll(activity) in onStop or similar lifecycle methods, as Ion groups requests by activity by default. For custom groups, use .group(object) and cancelAll(group).

Question 6

Ion image loading compared to Glide: which is faster?

Accepted Answer

Ion offers similar caching and transformation features but is part of a larger library, while Glide is specialized and may have better performance optimizations for complex image scenarios. Ion's advantage is its integrated networking.

Ion

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