How to Use CursorLoader with LoaderManager to Access SQLite Database in Android?

What is the best way to implement CursorLoader with LoaderManager for accessing an SQLite database in Android?

Using CursorLoader with LoaderManager helps manage database queries efficiently, handling data in a background thread and updating the UI automatically when data changes. This approach reduces complexity and improves performance in Android applications that interact with SQLite databases.

public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements LoaderManager.LoaderCallbacks<Cursor> {
    private static final int LOADER_ID = 1;
    private SQLiteDatabase database;
    private CursorAdapter adapter;

    @Override
    protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_main);

        // Initialize Loader
        getLoaderManager().initLoader(LOADER_ID, null, this);
    }

    @Override
    public Loader<Cursor> onCreateLoader(int id, Bundle args) {
        return new CursorLoader(this, MyContentProvider.CONTENT_URI, null, null, null, null);
    }

    @Override
    public void onLoadFinished(Loader<Cursor> loader, Cursor data) {
        adapter.swapCursor(data);
    }

    @Override
    public void onLoaderReset(Loader<Cursor> loader) {
        adapter.swapCursor(null);
    }
}

Causes

• Improperly managing database cursors can lead to memory leaks.
• Not using asynchronous loaders may result in application freezes during data retrieval.

Solutions

• Implementing CursorLoader in conjunction with LoaderManager to perform background data loading without blocking the UI.
• Using the `onCreateLoader`, `onLoadFinished`, and `onLoaderReset` methods to manage the lifecycle of data loading.

Mistake: Failing to restart the loader after data changes.

Solution: Use the `restartLoader()` method to initiate a new load whenever the underlying data changes.

Mistake: Not handling cursor life cycle correctly, leading to memory leaks.

Solution: Always call `cursor.close()` to release resources when the cursor is no longer needed.