Better option to handle JPEG byte array decoding

Question

Given a JPEG Encoded byte array taken from a camera, I need to decode it and display its image (bitmap) in my application. From searching around, I've found that there are two primary ways to go about this: use NDK Jpeg Decoding library or use BitmapFactory.decodeByteArray. This is for an experimental embedded device being developed that runs on Android with a built-in camera.

I would greatly prefer to develop the application in SDK not NDK if possible at all, but many people seemed to handle this problem by going straight to NDK, which bugged me a bit.

• Is there some sort of inherent limitation in BitmapFactory.decodeByteArray that forces you to handle this problem by using libjpeg in NDK (Perhaps speed? Incompatibility?)

Performance isn't a big consideration unless if it takes say more than 45 seconds to decode the image and display it.

This is an important decision I need to make upfront, so I'd appreciate any thoughtful answers. Thank you so much.

Answer 1

Here is a really good example / explanation how you can decode images on device efficiently without using NDK : Displaying Bitmap Efficiently. You have an option to decode bitmap from stream or file so it depends on your needs. But in most of my applications I am using the same method and it's working great. So I suggest you to take a look at the SDK example.

Hope it will helps you.