How do I avoid overfetching data when using api error handling routines?

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How do I avoid overfetching data when using api error handling routines?

Asked on Nov 05, 2025

Answer

To avoid overfetching data while handling API errors in mobile applications, implement strategies such as pagination, lazy loading, or conditional requests. These techniques ensure that your app only requests the necessary data, reducing unnecessary network traffic and improving performance.

Example Concept: Implementing pagination involves dividing data into discrete pages and fetching only the current page's data. Lazy loading defers data fetching until it is needed, such as when a user scrolls to the bottom of a list. Conditional requests use HTTP headers like ETag or Last-Modified to fetch data only if it has changed since the last request, minimizing redundant data transfer.

Additional Comment:

Use pagination with parameters like "limit" and "offset" to control data volume.
Implement lazy loading by triggering data fetches based on user interactions or scroll positions.
Apply conditional requests to leverage server-side caching and reduce data transfer.
Consider using libraries or frameworks that support these patterns, such as Retrofit for Android or Alamofire for iOS.

✅ Answered with Mobile Development best practices.

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