Java:
Sending an HTTP request

How to:

Let’s roll with Java 11’s HttpClient, HttpRequest, and HttpResponse to shoot a GET request and snag some data:

import java.net.URI;
import java.net.http.HttpClient;
import java.net.http.HttpRequest;
import java.net.http.HttpResponse;

public class HttpRequestExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        HttpClient client = HttpClient.newHttpClient();
        HttpRequest request = HttpRequest.newBuilder()
                              .uri(URI.create("http://example.com"))
                              .build();

        client.sendAsync(request, HttpResponse.BodyHandlers.ofString())
              .thenApply(HttpResponse::body)
              .thenAccept(System.out::println)
              .join();
    }
}

You run it, and voilà—server response, right in your console.

Deep Dive

Before Java 11, sending an HTTP request was a more complex dance that often involved third-party libraries like Apache HttpClient. HttpURLConnection was also an option but felt like a dinosaur—cumbersome and less intuitive.

With Java 11, HttpClient steps in, streamlining the process with both synchronous .send and asynchronous .sendAsync methods. It’s reactive and non-blocking—meaning you’re not waiting around tapping your foot while it does its thing. This aligns with modern app efficiency needs where waiting equals wasted time.

Alternatives to Java’s standard libraries? Libraries like OkHttp and Retrofit are still favorites when robust features and custom configurations are desired. And why not? They come with their own perks, like connection pooling and call conversion out of the box.

See Also

Dive deeper into the Java HttpClient with the official Java docs:

• HttpClient
• HttpRequest
• HttpResponse

Feeling adventurous? Explore OkHttp and Retrofit:

• OkHttp
• Retrofit