Struggling to implement RapidAPI with Retrofit in Android

Other Questions RapidAPI
1

Hey guys, I’m trying to figure out how to use the Google Translate API from RapidAPI with Retrofit in my Android app. I’ve got it working with OkHttp, but I’m lost when it comes to converting it to Retrofit.

Here’s what I’ve got so far for my Retrofit interface:

interface TranslateService {
    @Headers(
        "Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded",
        "Accept-Encoding: application/gzip",
        "X-RapidAPI-Host: translate-api.example.com",
        "X-RapidAPI-Key: MY_SECRET_KEY"
    )
    @POST("v2/translate")
    suspend fun getTranslation(
        @Field("text") text: String,
        @Field("target") targetLang: String,
        @Field("source") sourceLang: String
    ): Response<TranslationResult>
}

I’m not sure if this is correct or how to use it. Can someone help me understand how to make a POST request with form-urlencoded data using Retrofit? Thanks in advance!

2

I’ve dealt with similar issues integrating RapidAPI and Retrofit. Your interface is close, but there are a couple tweaks needed. First, add the @FormUrlEncoded annotation above your function as Alice45 mentioned. Also, consider using @Query instead of @Field for your parameters, as RapidAPI often expects query parameters.

For the Retrofit instance, ensure you’re setting the base URL correctly. Something like:

val retrofit = Retrofit.Builder()
    .baseUrl("https://translate-api.example.com/")
    .addConverterFactory(GsonConverterFactory.create())
    .build()

Then create your service:

val service = retrofit.create(TranslateService::class.java)

To make the API call, use coroutines in a ViewModel or similar:

viewModelScope.launch {
    val response = service.getTranslation(text, targetLang, sourceLang)
    if (response.isSuccessful) {
        // Handle successful response
    } else {
        // Handle error
    }
}

Hope this helps you get it working!

3

hey pete, i’ve used rapidapi with retrofit before. ur interface looks good, but u need to add @FormUrlEncoded annotation above the function. also, make sure ur using the right baseUrl when creating the retrofit instance. hope this helps! lemme know if u need more help

4

I’ve worked with RapidAPI and Retrofit in Android before. Your interface is close, but you need to make a few adjustments. Add the @FormUrlEncoded annotation above your function as others have mentioned. Also, consider using @Query instead of @Field for your parameters, as RapidAPI often expects query parameters.

When creating your Retrofit instance, ensure you’re setting the correct base URL. Remember to add an interceptor to your OkHttpClient to handle the RapidAPI headers, like this:

val client = OkHttpClient.Builder().addInterceptor { chain →
val request = chain.request().newBuilder()
.addHeader(“X-RapidAPI-Key”, BuildConfig.RAPID_API_KEY)
.addHeader(“X-RapidAPI-Host”, “translate-api.example.com”)
.build()
chain.proceed(request)
}.build()

Then use this client when building your Retrofit instance. This approach keeps your API key more secure and your interface cleaner.