Question

I have a very simple question:
I want to be able to save an image from a URL as a resource (temporarily, so it is deleted when the application closes), so I can then use it as an image resource (for example by setImageResource(int resID));

Thanks.

Answer 1

You can’t use image as resource if its wasn’t compiled into your application. The only imaginable way would be to modify the .apk file installed on the device, and that is not possible.

But I think what you’re really asking: how can I set downloaded image to ImageView (or similar) so it can be displayed.

Your steps:

1. Download image to file on sdcard (Use HTTPClient or URLConnection).
2. Use BitmapFactory.decodeFile(File) to load Bitmap from file into memory. You can safely delete the file after this step. It’s no longer needed (unless you plan to re-use it later, of course).
3. Use ImageView.setImageBitmap(Bitmap) to set just loaded Bitmap object to ImageView.

And don’t forget to call Bitmap.recycle() when loaded Bitmap object is no longer needed.