Question

ok I have this application which needs to send periodic updates to a web-service, I have done a fair amount of research and I’ve come up with two service implementation patterns.

1. Implement a service with a thread, the periodic update time may vary therefore, I will put the thread to sleep with the required time-interval, then call the web-service again. I also need to update an activity, therefore will be using a broadcast receiver or a messenger.

2. Use a Service with a schedule timer/alarm manager, wake the system and use intent services coupled with a broadcast receiver.

Which would be the best approach?

Answer 1

I think I would go with the #2 option :

1. Create an IntentService to do the update.
2. Register a BroadcastReceiver with IntentFilter(s) and start the IntentService from it.
3. Use AlarmManager to Broadcast the registered action at the required time intervals.

I prefer this method because :

1. It is a very flexible pattern : You can start the service anytime by registering the same receiver for different actions like network connection changes, system boot changes etc.,
2. It keeps the logic loosely coupled from other parts of the app.
3. There is no hassle of managing threads. You get it for free by using IntentService
4. It is more android-ish way of solving this problem.