Using the Audioplayers Package to Fix Audio Cache Issues in Flutter

Using the Audioplayers Package to Fix Audio Cache Issues in Flutter

Dealing with audio is a common need when building Flutter apps, and the audioplayers package gives developers a reliable way to control audio playback. But using this package can lead to problems with the audio cache. In this article, we’ll explore how to tackle these issues.

Introduction

Flutter audio cache issues can be annoying, and they frequently happen when you’re using the audioplayers package. When trying to play audio files from multiple sources, such as assets or network resources, several problems may appear. The misinterpretation or abuse of the audio cache is one frequent cause of these issues.

Recognising the Issue

An audio cache used to store sound files as part of the audioplayers package. This had a positive impact on playback speed and cut down on delays. But newer versions of the software don’t use the audio cache by default anymore. This can cause issues for developers who think the cache will work like it always has.

Solution

To tackle sound cache problems, do this:

Update the ‘audioplayers’ package: Your Flutter project needs to use the latest ‘audioplayers’ package version. You should edit your pubspec.yaml file like this:

dependencies:
audioplayers: ^latest_version

Replace “latest_version” with the newest version number you find on pub.dev.

Tweak Your Code: Here’s how to adjust your code to avoid audio cache issues:

import 'package:audioplayers/audioplayers.dart';
child: ElevatedButton(
onPressed: () async {
final player = AudioPlayer();
await player.play(AssetSource('note1.wav'));
},
)

By making a new instance of the AudioPlayer class, you get to play the audio file straight up no need for that audio cache stuff. This way, you dodge those pesky problems that might pop up with the audio cache

Example

import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
import 'package:audioplayers/audioplayers.dart';
void main() => runApp(MyApp());
class MyApp extends StatelessWidget {
  const MyApp({super.key});
  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    return MaterialApp(
      home: Scaffold(
        body: SafeArea(
          child: Center(
            child:TextButton(
        onPressed: () async {
      final player = AudioPlayer();
      await player.play(
          AssetSource('note1.wav'));
    }, child: Text('Click Me'),
    ),
    ),
        ),
      ),
    );
  }
}

Conclusion

In Flutter, you can tackle those pesky audio cache problems often faced with the ‘audioplayers’ package. Just know this — the newer versions don’t use the audio cache by default. So, update your ‘audioplayers’ package and tweak your code to play sounds without leaning on the cache. Doing this should clear up the issues, making your Flutter app’s sound playback smooth sailing.