Explore essential mobile app data communication methods, protocols, and error handling with this engaging quiz. Enhance your knowledge of network reliability, efficiency, and best practices for mobile connectivity across various platforms.
Which HTTP method should a mobile app use to securely upload user profile images to a server?
Explanation: POST is the correct method for sending data, such as user profile images, to a server because it allows for secure, encrypted data transmission in the request body. GET is meant for retrieving data, not uploading it. DELETE is used for removing resources, not creating or uploading them. FETCH is not an HTTP method; it's a term sometimes confused with the fetch API used in code. POST ensures the image is properly sent and stored on the server.
When transferring structured data between a mobile app and a server, which format is most commonly used due to its readability and widespread support?
Explanation: JSON is the most popular data format for mobile app communication because it is lightweight, easy for humans to read, and supported across most platforms. CSV is mainly used for tabular data, not nested structures. XMLL is a typo and not a valid format, perhaps confused with XML. YAML is readable but less commonly used in mobile app APIs due to potential parsing issues. JSON strikes the best balance between structure and efficiency.
If a mobile banking app's network request for recent transactions fails due to connectivity loss, what is the recommended immediate app response for user experience?
Explanation: Displaying an error message with a manual retry option keeps users informed and in control, making the experience transparent and user-friendly. Automatically retrying without delay may drain resources and worsen connectivity issues. Silently ignoring the failure leaves the user confused about missing data. Logging the user out is too drastic for a connectivity problem and harms usability. Prompt communication and user-driven retry are optimal.
Which technique should a mobile app developer use to efficiently download a long list of items, such as messages, from a server?
Explanation: Pagination allows the app to request and display data in smaller, manageable chunks, minimizing memory and bandwidth usage. Polling repeatedly checks for updates but doesn't break up large datasets. Flooding is not a technique but implies sending excessive unwanted requests. Mirroring refers to duplicating an entire dataset, not efficiently transferring it in parts. Pagination optimizes performance and user experience in such scenarios.
Which encryption protocol should a mobile app prefer when transmitting sensitive user data to ensure privacy across public networks?
Explanation: TLS is the current recommendation for encrypting data in transit, providing privacy and security against interception. SSL is outdated and less secure compared to TLS. SSH is intended for secure shell access rather than data transfer in typical app-server communication. HTTP transmits data in plain text without encryption, making it insecure for sensitive information. TLS protects user data effectively across networks.