Best Practices for Handling Local Image Storage and Batch Upload to a Custom API in FlutterFlow

Actions & Logic

Hello FlutterFlow Community,

I'm working on a FlutterFlow app that requires handling a significant number of images (around 200 photos across various categories like rooms, living areas, kitchens, etc.). Initially, I considered using Firebase for instant uploads upon capturing photos. However, due to specific requirements, I've decided to shift towards storing these images locally on the device first, and then performing a batch upload to my custom API, which in turn stores the images on AWS S3.

Given my limited experience with Flutter (and hence, FlutterFlow), I'm seeking advice on the best practices to achieve the following:

  1. Local Storage of Images: How should I efficiently handle storing a large number of images locally within FlutterFlow? Is there a preferred method or plugin that integrates well with FlutterFlow for managing local file storage?

  2. Batch Upload Mechanism: What's the recommended approach to implement a batch upload process from the app to a custom API? I'm interested in learning about both the operational strategy (how to queue and manage the upload process) and any FlutterFlow-specific tips for handling bulk data transfer.

  3. Reference Management: How can I best maintain references to these locally stored images, potentially for synchronization with Firebase or directly with my app's backend? Is there a recommended structure or practice for tracking these images before they're uploaded to ensure a seamless and reliable upload process?

I'm not necessarily looking for code snippets but rather guidance on the best architectural and operational practices to handle this scenario within the FlutterFlow environment. My primary aim is to ensure a robust, user-friendly experience that minimally impacts the app's performance while dealing with large volumes of image data.

Thank you in advance for your insights and advice!

What have you tried so far?

In my current setup, I've disabled the automatic photo upload feature to Firebase within FlutterFlow and opted to save the images locally. My goal is to capture all necessary photos, store a reference to them in Firebase (or locally if that's a better approach), and upon completing the image collection process, upload all images in a batch to my custom API.

Did you check FlutterFlow's Documentation for this topic?
Yes
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