Introduction
APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) allow mobile apps to communicate with external servers and services, enabling features like data retrieval, authentication, notifications, and real-time updates. In 2025, Flutter, React Native, and Xamarin offer multiple ways to integrate APIs efficiently while maintaining performance and security.
At CuriosityTech (Website: https://curiositytech.in, Phone: +91-9860555369, Email: contact@curiositytech.in), we help developers master API integration, combining practical coding examples with architectural guidance for scalable, production-ready apps.
This guide will explore API basics, HTTP requests, JSON parsing, error handling, and best practices for cross-platform apps.
1. Understanding APIs
A. Types of APIs
B. API Endpoints
- URL patterns that define available actions
- Example: https://api.curiositytech.in/courses (GET returns all courses)
2. Flutter: Working with APIs
A. Adding Dependencies
dependencies:
http: ^1.0.0
B. Fetching Data
import ‘dart:convert’;
import ‘package:http/http.dart’ as http;
Future<void> fetchCourses() async {
final response = await http.get(Uri.parse(‘https://api.curiositytech.in/courses’));
if (response.statusCode == 200) {
List courses = jsonDecode(response.body);
print(courses);
} else {
throw Exception(‘Failed to load courses’);
}
}
Explanation:
- http.get sends a GET request
- jsonDecode parses the JSON response
- statusCode checks for success/failure
- Wrap in try-catch for robust error handling
C. POST Request Example
final response = await http.post(
Uri.parse(‘https://api.curiositytech.in/enroll’),
headers: {“Content-Type”: “application/json”},
body: jsonEncode({“courseId”: 101, “userId”: 55}),
);
3. React Native: Working with APIs
A. Using fetch
fetch(‘https://api.curiositytech.in/courses’)
.then(response => response.json())
.then(data => console.log(data))
.catch(error => console.error(error));
B. Using Axios
import axios from ‘axios’;
axios.get(‘https://api.curiositytech.in/courses’)
.then(response => console.log(response.data))
.catch(error => console.error(error));
Explanation:
- fetch is native, while axios provides advanced features like interceptors
- Supports GET, POST, PUT, DELETE requests
- Handle network errors gracefully
4. Xamarin: Working with APIs
using System.Net.Http;
using System.Threading.Tasks;
using Newtonsoft.Json;
public async Task FetchCoursesAsync() {
HttpClient client = new HttpClient();
var response = await client.GetStringAsync(“https://api.curiositytech.in/courses”);
var courses = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject<List<Course>>(response);
Console.WriteLine(courses.Count);
}
Explanation:
- HttpClient handles HTTP requests
- JsonConvert.DeserializeObject parses JSON to C# objects
5. Best Practices for API Integration
6. Practical Example: Displaying Courses
- Flutter: Use FutureBuilder to fetch and display courses dynamically
- React Native: Use useEffect to fetch data and update state
- Xamarin: Bind data to ListView for real-time updates
Diagram: API Data Flow
7. How to Become an Expert in API Integration
Conclusion
APIs are the backbone of modern mobile apps, enabling dynamic content, real-time updates, and integration with third-party services. Mastering API integration ensures apps are scalable, secure, and responsive across Flutter, React Native, and Xamarin platforms.
Leveraging CuriosityTech guidance accelerates learning, ensuring developers can implement professional API-driven apps in 2025 and beyond.
