DEV Community: Daniel Ioni

Building an Android App with Kotlin, Retrofit, and Coroutines: A Practical Guide2

Daniel Ioni — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 06:05:03 +0000

Building an Android App with Kotlin, Retrofit, and Coroutines: A Practical Guide

Introduction

In this article, I'll share my experience building a production-ready Android app for MyZubster, an open-source skill exchange platform. I'll cover the key architectural decisions and code patterns I used.

The app handles:

🔐 JWT authentication with token management
📅 Booking system with calendar
💳 Monero payments with QR Code
📋 Complete work history with pagination
🔔 Real-time session management

Tech Stack Overview

Component	Technology
Language	Kotlin
Networking	Retrofit + OkHttp
Async	Coroutines + Flow
UI	Material Design + ViewBinding
Storage	SharedPreferences
QR Code	ZXing
Architecture	MVVM + Repository Pattern

1. Authentication & Token Management

I implemented JWT-based authentication with automatic token injection using SharedPreferences for storage.

TokenManager.kt


kotlin
class TokenManager(context: Context) {
    private val prefs = context.getSharedPreferences("MyZubsterPrefs", Context.MODE_PRIVATE)

    fun saveAuthData(token: String, userId: String, email: String, name: String) {
        prefs.edit().apply {
            putString("jwt_token", token)
            putString("user_id", userId)
            putString("user_email", email)
            putString("user_name", name)
            apply()
        }
    }

    fun getToken(): String? = prefs.getString("jwt_token", null)
    fun getUserId(): String? = prefs.getString("user_id", null)
    fun isLoggedIn(): Boolean = !getToken().isNullOrEmpty()

    fun clear() {
        prefs.edit().clear().apply()
    }
}
LoginActivity.kt
kotlin

class LoginActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
    private lateinit var tokenManager: TokenManager

    override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_login)

        tokenManager = TokenManager(this)

        // Check if already logged in
        if (tokenManager.isLoggedIn()) {
            startActivity(Intent(this, MainActivity::class.java))
            finish()
        }
    }

    private fun performLogin(email: String, password: String) {
        // Simulate login (replace with actual API call)
        val token = "eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9..."
        tokenManager.saveAuthData(
            token = token,
            userId = "65f1a2b3c4d5e6f7g8h9i0j1",
            email = email,
            name = "Test User"
        )
        startActivity(Intent(this, MainActivity::class.java))
        finish()
    }
}

2. Networking with Retrofit

I used Retrofit with an AuthInterceptor to automatically add the JWT token to every request.
ApiService.kt
kotlin

interface ApiService {
    @POST("api/v1/auth/login")
    suspend fun login(
        @Body request: LoginRequest
    ): Response<AuthResponse>

    @GET("api/v1/bookings/history/{userId}")
    suspend fun getBookingHistory(
        @Path("userId") userId: String,
        @Query("page") page: Int = 1,
        @Query("limit") limit: Int = 10
    ): Response<BookingHistoryResponse>
}

AuthInterceptor.kt
kotlin

class AuthInterceptor(private val tokenManager: TokenManager) : Interceptor {
    override fun intercept(chain: Interceptor.Chain): Response {
        val request = chain.request()
        val token = tokenManager.getToken()

        val newRequest = if (!token.isNullOrEmpty()) {
            request.newBuilder()
                .header("Authorization", "Bearer $token")
                .build()
        } else {
            request
        }

        return chain.proceed(newRequest)
    }
}

RetrofitClient.kt
kotlin

object RetrofitClient {
    private const val BASE_URL = "http://10.0.2.2:5000/"

    private val okHttpClient = OkHttpClient.Builder()
        .addInterceptor(AuthInterceptor(tokenManager))
        .connectTimeout(30, TimeUnit.SECONDS)
        .readTimeout(30, TimeUnit.SECONDS)
        .build()

    private val retrofit = Retrofit.Builder()
        .baseUrl(BASE_URL)
        .client(okHttpClient)
        .addConverterFactory(GsonConverterFactory.create())
        .build()

    val apiService: ApiService by lazy {
        retrofit.create(ApiService::class.java)
    }
}

3. Booking History with Pagination

I implemented a RecyclerView with pagination using the Repository pattern and StateFlow.
BookingHistoryRepository.kt
kotlin

class BookingHistoryRepository {
    suspend fun getBookingHistory(
        userId: String,
        page: Int = 1,
        limit: Int = 10
    ): Response<BookingHistoryResponse> {
        return RetrofitClient.apiService.getBookingHistory(userId, page, limit)
    }
}

BookingHistoryViewModel.kt
kotlin

class BookingHistoryViewModel : ViewModel() {
    private val repository = BookingHistoryRepository()

    private val _bookings = MutableStateFlow<List<BookingHistory>>(emptyList())
    val bookings: StateFlow<List<BookingHistory>> = _bookings.asStateFlow()

    private val _isLoading = MutableStateFlow(false)
    val isLoading: StateFlow<Boolean> = _isLoading.asStateFlow()

    private val _error = MutableStateFlow<String?>(null)
    val error: StateFlow<String?> = _error.asStateFlow()

    private var currentPage = 1
    private var hasMoreData = true

    fun loadBookings(userId: String, page: Int = 1) {
        if (_isLoading.value) return

        viewModelScope.launch {
            _isLoading.value = true
            _error.value = null

            try {
                val response = repository.getBookingHistory(userId, page, 10)
                if (response.isSuccessful && response.body()?.success == true) {
                    val data = response.body()?.data ?: emptyList()
                    if (page == 1) {
                        _bookings.value = data
                    } else {
                        _bookings.value = _bookings.value + data
                    }
                    hasMoreData = data.isNotEmpty()
                    currentPage = page
                } else {
                    _error.value = response.body()?.error ?: "Loading failed"
                }
            } catch (e: Exception) {
                _error.value = e.message
            } finally {
                _isLoading.value = false
            }
        }
    }

    fun loadNextPage() {
        if (hasMoreData && !_isLoading.value) {
            loadBookings(currentPage + 1)
        }
    }
}

4. QR Code Generation

For Monero payments, I integrated QR code generation using the ZXing library.
PaymentActivity.kt
kotlin

class PaymentActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
    private lateinit var ivQRCode: ImageView
    private lateinit var tvAddress: TextView

    override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_payment)

        ivQRCode = findViewById(R.id.ivQRCode)
        tvAddress = findViewById(R.id.tvPaymentAddress)

        val address = "4A6d7f8g9h0i1j2k3l4m5n6o7p8q9r0s1t2u3v4w5x6y7z8"
        tvAddress.text = address
        ivQRCode.setImageBitmap(generateQRCode(address))
    }

    private fun generateQRCode(address: String): Bitmap {
        val writer = QRCodeWriter()
        val bitMatrix = writer.encode(address, BarcodeFormat.QR_CODE, 200, 200)
        val bitmap = Bitmap.createBitmap(200, 200, Bitmap.Config.RGB_565)

        for (x in 0 until 200) {
            for (y in 0 until 200) {
                bitmap.setPixel(x, y, if (bitMatrix[x, y]) Color.BLACK else Color.WHITE)
            }
        }
        return bitmap
    }
}

5. Session Management with Countdown

I implemented a session timer that shows remaining time in the UI.
SessionManager.kt
kotlin

class SessionManager(private val context: Context) {
    private val tokenManager = TokenManager(context)
    private val SESSION_DURATION = 3600L // 1 hour

    fun getSessionRemainingTime(): Long {
        // Calculate remaining time
        val loginTime = tokenManager.getLoginTimestamp()
        val elapsed = System.currentTimeMillis() - loginTime
        return (SESSION_DURATION * 1000 - elapsed) / 1000
    }

    fun getSessionCountdown(callback: (String) -> Unit) {
        Thread {
            while (true) {
                val remaining = getSessionRemainingTime()
                if (remaining <= 0) break

                val formatted = formatTime(remaining)
                Handler(Looper.getMainLooper()).post {
                    callback(formatted)
                }
                Thread.sleep(1000)
            }
        }.start()
    }

    private fun formatTime(seconds: Long): String {
        val hours = seconds / 3600
        val minutes = (seconds % 3600) / 60
        val secs = seconds % 60
        return "${hours}h ${minutes}m ${secs}s"
    }
}

6. Logout with Confirmation Dialog
kotlin

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
    private lateinit var tokenManager: TokenManager

    private fun logout() {
        AlertDialog.Builder(this)
            .setTitle("Logout")
            .setMessage("Are you sure you want to logout?")
            .setPositiveButton("Yes") { _, _ ->
                tokenManager.clear()
                startActivity(Intent(this, LoginActivity::class.java))
                finish()
            }
            .setNegativeButton("Cancel", null)
            .show()
    }
}

Key Takeaways

    Use Repository Pattern - Separates data sources from UI logic

    Implement AuthInterceptor - Automates token injection

    Use StateFlow - For reactive UI updates

    Handle Pagination - For efficient data loading

    Session Management - Improves user experience

Project Structure
text

app/src/main/java/com/myzubster/
├── activities/
│   ├── MainActivity.kt
│   └── BookingHistoryActivity.kt
├── adapters/
│   └── BookingHistoryAdapter.kt
├── models/
│   ├── BookingHistory.kt
│   └── AuthResponse.kt
├── network/
│   ├── ApiService.kt
│   ├── RetrofitClient.kt
│   └── AuthInterceptor.kt
├── repositories/
│   └── BookingHistoryRepository.kt
├── ui/auth/
│   ├── LoginActivity.kt
│   └── RegisterActivity.kt
├── utils/
│   ├── TokenManager.kt
│   └── SessionManager.kt
└── viewmodels/
    └── BookingHistoryViewModel.kt

Resources

The full project is open-source and available on GitHub:

🔗 DanielIoni-creator/MyZubsterAPP
💡 Want to Contribute?

    ⭐ Star the repository

    🐛 Report issues

    🔧 Submit pull requests

    💬 Share feedback

Follow me on GitHub: DanielIoni-creator

Tags: android kotlin retrofit coroutines opensource mvvm materialdesign
text

Building an Android App with Kotlin, Retrofit, and Coroutines: A Practical Guide

Daniel Ioni — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 06:01:39 +0000

Building an Android App with Kotlin, Retrofit, and Coroutines: A Practical Guide

Introduction

Tech Stack Overview

Component	Technology
Language	Kotlin
Networking	Retrofit + OkHttp
Async	Coroutines + Flow
UI	Material Design + ViewBinding
Storage	SharedPreferences (Token)
QR Code	ZXing
Architecture	MVVM + Repository Pattern

1. Authentication & Token Management

I implemented JWT-based authentication with automatic token injection.


kotlin
// TokenManager.kt
class TokenManager(context: Context) {
    private val prefs = context.getSharedPreferences("MyZubsterPrefs", Context.MODE_PRIVATE)

    fun saveAuthData(token: String, userId: String, email: String, name: String) {
        prefs.edit().apply {
            putString("jwt_token", token)
            putString("user_id", userId)
            putString("user_email", email)
            putString("user_name", name)
            apply()
        }
    }

    fun getToken(): String? = prefs.getString("jwt_token", null)
    fun isLoggedIn(): Boolean = !getToken().isNullOrEmpty()
}
2. Networking with Retrofit

I used Retrofit with an AuthInterceptor to automatically add the JWT token to requests.
kotlin

// AuthInterceptor.kt
class AuthInterceptor(private val tokenManager: TokenManager) : Interceptor {
    override fun intercept(chain: Interceptor.Chain): Response {
        val request = chain.request()
        val token = tokenManager.getToken()

        val newRequest = if (!token.isNullOrEmpty()) {
            request.newBuilder()
                .header("Authorization", "Bearer $token")
                .build()
        } else {
            request
        }

        return chain.proceed(newRequest)
    }
}

3. Booking History with Pagination

I implemented a RecyclerView with pagination using the Repository pattern.
kotlin

// BookingHistoryViewModel.kt
class BookingHistoryViewModel : ViewModel() {
    private val _bookings = MutableStateFlow<List<BookingHistory>>(emptyList())
    val bookings: StateFlow<List<BookingHistory>> = _bookings.asStateFlow()

    private var currentPage = 1
    private var hasMoreData = true

    fun loadBookings(userId: String, page: Int = 1) {
        viewModelScope.launch {
            try {
                val response = repository.getBookingHistory(userId, page, 10)
                if (response.isSuccessful) {
                    _bookings.value = response.body()?.data ?: emptyList()
                    currentPage = response.body()?.pagination?.page ?: 1
                }
            } catch (e: Exception) {
                // Handle error
            }
        }
    }
}

4. QR Code Generation

For Monero payments, I integrated QR code generation for payment addresses.
kotlin

// PaymentActivity.kt
fun generateQRCode(address: String): Bitmap {
    val writer = QRCodeWriter()
    val bitMatrix = writer.encode(address, BarcodeFormat.QR_CODE, 200, 200)
    val bitmap = Bitmap.createBitmap(200, 200, Bitmap.Config.RGB_565)

    for (x in 0 until 200) {
        for (y in 0 until 200) {
            bitmap.setPixel(x, y, if (bitMatrix[x, y]) Color.BLACK else Color.WHITE)
        }
    }
    return bitmap
}

5. Session Management with Countdown

I implemented a session timer that shows remaining time in the UI.
kotlin

// SessionManager.kt
class SessionManager(private val context: Context) {
    fun getSessionCountdown(callback: (String) -> Unit) {
        Thread {
            while (isSessionValid()) {
                val remaining = tokenManager.getSessionRemainingTime()
                val formatted = formatTime(remaining)
                Handler(Looper.getMainLooper()).post {
                    callback(formatted)
                }
                sleep(1000)
            }
        }.start()
    }
}

Key Takeaways

    Use Repository Pattern - Separates data sources from UI logic

    Implement AuthInterceptor - Automates token injection

    Use StateFlow - For reactive UI updates

    Handle Pagination - For efficient data loading

    Session Management - Improves user experience

Resources

The full project is open-source and available on GitHub:

DanielIoni-creator/MyZubsterAPP

Follow me on GitHub: DanielIoni-creator

Building MyZubster: An Open-Source Skill Exchange Platform with Monero Payments

Daniel Ioni — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:32:58 +0000

🧩 Building MyZubster: An Open-Source Skill Exchange Platform with Monero Payments

📖 Introduction

In a world where continuous learning is essential, MyZubster is born as an open-source platform that connects people to exchange skills and services. From programming to plumbing, tutoring to tech support, MyZubster creates a community where everyone can teach what they know and learn what they desire.

GitHub: DanielIoni-creator/MyZubsterAPP

🎯 What Makes MyZubster Special?

🔐 Privacy & Monero Payments

Unlike other platforms, MyZubster integrates Monero (XMR) for private and secure payments:

🔒 No transaction tracking
💰 Automatic 2% fee to support development
🛡️ Escrow system: funds locked until work is completed

🌐 SaaS & Self-Hosted Architecture

MyZubster can be used as:

SaaS (Software as a Service) with automatic updates
Self-Hosted for full control over your data

🛠️ Tech Stack

Layer	Technology
Mobile	Kotlin, Android SDK, Retrofit, Material Design
Backend	Node.js, Express, MongoDB, JWT
Payments	Monero RPC, Escrow, 2% Fee Service
Web Dashboard	React, TypeScript
Admin Panel	React, Material-UI
API Gateway	Node.js, Express

✨ Key Features

📅 Booking System

Interactive calendar with time slots
Status tracking: pending, confirmed, in_progress, completed, cancelled
Automatic conflict detection

📝 Quotes & Estimates

Professionals can send quotes
Clients accept or reject
Automatic booking status update

📋 Complete Work History

Track all completed jobs
Infinite scroll for loading more history
Filter by category and status

💳 Monero Payment Integration

2% platform fee automatically applied
Escrow protection for both parties
Privacy-first transactions

📱 Android App Features

🔐 Authentication

Login/Register with email/password
JWT token storage in SharedPreferences
Session management with countdown timer

💰 Payment System

QR Code generation for Monero addresses
Real-time payment status tracking
Fund release by client after work completion

📊 Booking History

View all past and current bookings
Status color coding
Pull-to-refresh

💰 Platform Fee

MyZubster applies a 2% platform fee on all transactions to support:

🖥️ Infrastructure costs (servers, databases, monitoring)
👨‍💻 Development and maintenance
🛡️ Security and escrow services

Fee Wallet: Maintained by Daniel Ioni (DanielIoni-creator)

🚀 Getting Started

Prerequisites

Android Studio (latest)
Node.js 16+
MongoDB
Monero wallet RPC (for testing payments)

Clone the Repository


bash
git clone https://github.com/DanielIoni-creator/MyZubsterAPP.git
cd MyZubsterAPP
Backend Setup
bash

cd backend
npm install
cp .env.example .env
# Edit .env with your MongoDB URI, Monero RPC URL, and API keys.
npm start
# The backend will run on http://localhost:5000

Android App
bash

# Open the project in Android Studio
# Sync Gradle and build the APK
# Install the APK on your device (or use an emulator)

Web Dashboard (Optional)
bash

cd web-dashboard
npm install
npm start
# Runs on http://localhost:3000

Admin Panel (Optional)
bash

cd admin-panel
npm install
npm start
# Runs on http://localhost:3001

🧪 Testing
bash

# Backend tests
cd backend
npm test

# Android tests
./gradlew test

# All tests with GitHub Actions (automated on every push)

🛡️ Security & Privacy

    Backend uses environment variables for sensitive data; never commit .env files

    All communication between client and server is encrypted via HTTPS

    Push notifications support Firebase FCM

    Admin Panel uses role-based access control (Admin/Moderator)

    Monero payments are non-custodial — private keys never leave the user's device

    Escrow uses Monero multisig for secure fund locking

📄 License

This project is licensed under either the MIT License or the GNU General Public License v3.0, at your option.

SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT OR GPL-3.0-or-later
🤝 How to Contribute

We welcome contributors of all experience levels!

    Fork the repository

    Create a feature branch

    Make your changes and test them

    Submit a Pull Request with a clear description of your work

Check our Contributing Guide to get started!
📊 Project Status
Component   Status
Backend API ✅ Complete
Android App ✅ Complete
Web Dashboard   ✅ Complete
Admin Panel ✅ Complete
Monero Integration  ✅ Complete
Authentication  ✅ Complete
Testing ✅ Complete
🔜 Next Steps

    Real Monero payment integration (currently in simulation)

    Push notifications with Firebase

    User profile management

    Multi-language support

    iOS app (Swift)

🙏 Acknowledgments

    Monero for privacy-first digital cash

    All open-source libraries and contributors who make this project possible

    The community for feedback and support

🚀 Ready to Join the Community?

Explore the code, report issues, or start contributing today!

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Made with ❤️ by Daniel Ioni and the MyZubster community

🔗 Links:

    GitHub Repository

    Report Issue

    Contributing Guide