Should I Create a New HttpClient Instance for Each WebAPI Call?

Optimizing HttpClient Usage in WebAPI Clients: A Performance Analysis

The ideal lifespan of an HttpClient instance within a WebAPI client application is a frequently discussed topic. This analysis clarifies the performance implications of different approaches.

HttpClient Reusability: Performance Considerations

The HttpClient class is designed for reuse across multiple API calls. Components like HttpClientHandler (managing credentials and cookies) and DefaultRequestHeaders (for persistent settings) are designed for efficiency through reuse. Creating a new HttpClient for each request unnecessarily re-initializes these components, leading to performance degradation.

Leveraging Message Handlers Effectively

HttpClient's support for message handlers (for logging, auditing, rate limiting, etc.) is another key factor. Each new HttpClient instance would require re-registration of these handlers, adding overhead and potentially losing state information across requests.

TCP/IP Connection Pooling and Performance

Disposing of an HttpClient instance also closes its underlying HttpClientHandler, terminating the associated TCP/IP connection. Repeatedly creating and disposing of HttpClient objects for each request results in frequent connection establishment, significantly impacting performance, particularly for remote or HTTPS connections. This negates the benefits of connection pooling.

Recommended Approach: Singleton Pattern for Optimal Performance

To optimize performance, the best practice is to use a single HttpClient instance throughout the application's lifetime, potentially employing separate instances for distinct APIs. This approach minimizes the overhead of object creation and disposal, fully utilizing HttpClient's built-in features for efficient communication. A singleton pattern or dependency injection are suitable methods for managing this single instance.

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