The guides in this section explain the basic tasks involved in connecting to the network, monitoring the network connection (including connection changes), and giving users control over an app\\'s network usage. They also describe how to parse and consume XML data.

These guides describe the fundamental building blocks for creating Android applications that download content and parse data efficiently while minimizing network traffic.

To learn more about this topic, see the following related guides:

- [Reduce network battery drain: Overview](https://developer.android.com/develop/connectivity/preserving-battery)
- [Minimize the effect of regular updates](https://developer.android.com/develop/connectivity/minimize-effect-regular-updates)
- [Web-based content](https://developer.android.com/guide/webapps)

## Guides

**[Connect to the network](https://developer.android.com/develop/connectivity/network-ops/connecting)**
:   Learn how to connect to the network, choose an HTTP client, and perform network operations outside of the UI thread.

**[Manage network usage](https://developer.android.com/develop/connectivity/network-ops/managing)**
:   Learn how to check a device\\'s network connection, create a preference UI for controlling network usage, and respond to connection changes.

**[Parse XML data](https://developer.android.com/develop/connectivity/network-ops/xml)**
:   Learn how to parse and consume XML data.