Ktor client

Learn the HTTP client with Ktor client.

What is Ktor client?

Ktor client is a coroutine based HTTP library for Kotlin. It is multiplatform; the same API runs on Android, JVM and iOS.

You create an HttpClient and make requests with methods like get and post. All calls are suspend functions; they are called inside a coroutine or with runBlocking. The plugin architecture makes it easy to add JSON serialization, logging and authentication. This lesson covers the basic client setup.

Creating an HttpClient

To create an HttpClient you call HttpClient(). The default engine is used; alternatives like CIO, OkHttp or Darwin can be added.

The client is closed with client.close() after use. Otherwise resources stay attached. To configure it you use the HttpClient { install(...) } block, where plugins like ContentNegotiation or logging are added. The engine choice depends on the platform; CIO is common on JVM.

Exercise Define HttpClient and print

Create an HttpClient and print println("Client ready") to confirm. Then close it with client.close().

Show example solution

fun main() {
    val client = HttpClient()
    println("Client ready")
    client.close()
}

Test yourself

What is Ktor client built on?
- Coroutine
- Thread
- Listener
- Callback
Show answer

Coroutine — Ktor client is coroutine based; calls are suspend functions.

Complete the HttpClient call

val client = ____()

Show answer

val client = HttpClient()

Match Ktor client parts

HttpClient

Client
get

GET request
post

POST request
close

Closing

Next lesson: HttpClient

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