ADR 0001: Use the official API instead of forking the Android app
ADR 0001: Use the official API instead of forking the Android app
Section titled “ADR 0001: Use the official API instead of forking the Android app”- Status: accepted
- Date: 2026-08-01
Context
Section titled “Context”The production pCloud Android application’s source is not publicly available. The official Java/Android SDK and HTTP API are public and sufficiently complete for folder browsing and streaming.
Decision
Section titled “Decision”Implement an independent client against the official SDK. Do not decompile, patch, redistribute, or depend on private implementation details of the pCloud Android APK.
Consequences
Section titled “Consequences”Positive:
- legal and technical boundary is clear;
- no fragile APK patching;
- exact folder-first UX is possible;
- source adapters can be reused upstream.
Negative:
- authentication, browser UI, playback, caching, and persistence must be implemented;
- feature parity with pCloud file management is not automatic.