OkHttp is a software library that Android, Kotlin, and Java developers add to an application so it can make HTTP requests and handle responses. It is not a phone or a consumer-facing app. The project describes it as an efficient HTTP client for the JVM, Android, and GraalVM.
What OkHttp does
An application uses an HTTP client to communicate with web services and other HTTP endpoints. OkHttp provides the API for creating requests, sending them, and receiving responses. Its request and response APIs use builders and immutable request objects, and it supports both synchronous, blocking calls and asynchronous calls with callbacks. The project favors standards-aligned behavior over extensive configuration.
OkHttp is maintained in Square’s open-source portfolio. Its documented features are project capabilities, not independent benchmark results.
How OkHttp handles network connections
OkHttp’s README describes it as “efficient by default.” The project points to several mechanisms behind that description:
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- HTTP/2: Requests to the same host can share a socket when HTTP/2 is available.
- Connection pooling: When HTTP/2 is unavailable, reusing connections can reduce latency.
- Transparent gzip: Responses can be compressed to reduce download size.
- Response caching: A cached response can avoid a network request when it is reusable.
- Connection recovery: The client attempts to recover from common connection failures, including trying alternate IP addresses if a connection attempt fails.
The project also documents TLS 1.3, ALPN, and certificate pinning support. These descriptions do not establish a particular speed improvement, bandwidth saving, or security outcome for every app; those depend on the app, server, network, and configuration.
Requirements and adding OkHttp
The project overview lists Android 5.0 or later (API level 21+) and Java 8+ as requirements, and identifies Okio and the Kotlin standard library as dependencies. Requirements can change between releases, so check the repository’s documentation for the version you plan to use.
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Gradle
The repository README showed this Gradle dependency example at retrieval:
implementation("com.squareup.okhttp3:okhttp:5.5.0")That example does not establish the latest version or the release date of 5.5.0. Check the OkHttp repository and Maven Central for the current release and its compatibility before adopting a version.
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Maven
For Maven projects, the README says to select the okhttp-jvm or okhttp-android artifact. The okhttp artifact is empty in Maven projects, so selecting it will not provide the client implementation.
Android initialization
For Android, the project documents use of AndroidX Startup. If an application disables that initializer, the README says to call OkHttp.initialize(applicationContext) from Application.onCreate. Follow the setup instructions for the specific OkHttp version in use.
Limitations to consider
- OkHttp does not support a GET request with a body.
- The project favors standards-aligned behavior rather than extensive configuration, and identifies cache implementation flexibility as a limitation to weigh when comparing clients.
These constraints matter if an API requires a nonstandard request pattern or an application needs unusually fine-grained control over caching. Check the client’s behavior against the actual server and application requirements before choosing it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Testing an OkHttp client
MockWebServer, a project testing utility, can help test HTTP, HTTPS, and HTTP/2 clients, as well as basic application behavior that uses OkHttp. The project does not position it as a full-featured standalone testing library and says it is not actively developed for new features. Teams with broader testing needs may need a more complete testing tool.
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When evaluating OkHttp against another client, compare the details that affect your app rather than relying on a general performance label:
Quick Recap
- Supported platforms and minimum runtime versions
- HTTP protocol and TLS support
- Connection management and caching behavior
- Synchronous and asynchronous API options
- Customization constraints, including GET requests with bodies
- Dependencies and the correct artifact for your build system
- Testing support and whether it meets your team’s needs
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