Identifying the Device Type within a Web-Based Program

In our Java application, we are looking to determine the type of device (mobile or desktop) that is making a request.

Is there a way to achieve this?

Answer №1

To determine the device type, you need to extract the information from the User-Agent header in the incoming request.

In traditional servlet applications, a basic approach would be:

public void doGet(HttpServletRequest request,
                HttpServletResponse response) throws ServletException, IOException {
  if(request.getHeader("User-Agent").contains("Mobi")) {
    //This is a mobile device
  } else {
    //This appears to be a desktop device
  }
}

Answer №2

One way to retrieve device information is by analyzing the http header

String browserType = request.getHeader("User-Agent");

To determine the device type, you need to parse the browserType variable

This code snippet may be useful for this task:


public String getBrowserInfo(String Information) {
    String browsername = "";
    String browserversion = "";
    String browser = Information;
    if (browser.contains("MSIE")) {
        String subsString = browser.substring(browser.indexOf("MSIE"));
        String info[] = (subsString.split(";")[0]).split(" ");
        browsername = info[0];
        browserversion = info[1];
    } else if (browser.contains("Firefox")) {

        String subsString = browser.substring(browser.indexOf("Firefox"));
        String info[] = (subsString.split(" ")[0]).split("/");
        browsername = info[0];
        browserversion = info[1];
    } else if (browser.contains("Chrome")) {

        String subsString = browser.substring(browser.indexOf("Chrome"));
        String info[] = (subsString.split(" ")[0]).split("/");
        browsername = info[0];
        browserversion = info[1];
    } else if (browser.contains("Opera")) {

        String subsString = browser.substring(browser.indexOf("Opera"));
        String info[] = (subsString.split(" ")[0]).split("/");
        browsername = info[0];
        browserversion = info[1];
    } else if (browser.contains("Safari")) {

        String subsString = browser.substring(browser.indexOf("Safari"));
        String info[] = (subsString.split(" ")[0]).split("/");
        browsername = info[0];
        browserversion = info[1];
    }
    return browsername + "-" + browserversion;
}

Answer №3

If you're looking to address mobile responsiveness, consider exploring Spring Mobile. This framework offers practical solutions with its user-friendly classes.

Start by retrieving the current device using DeviceUtils.getCurrentDevice(servletRequest);
if(currentDevice.isMobile()) { /* Actions for Mobile */ }
if(currentDevice.isTablet()) { /* Actions for Tablet */ }
if(currentDevice.isNormal()) { /* Actions for Desktop */ }

Answer №4

An alternative option is to utilize a software solution from a third-party provider. Numerous Open Source options are available for you to explore. In the past, I have utilized 51Degrees.mobi's Java solution (and have experience working on their open source C solution as well). Simply click on the provided link and download the solution. Setting it up is generally straightforward and hassle-free.

Answer №7

If you're working with Java, 51Degrees provides a convenient free API on GitHub that is regularly updated and designed to handle all your basic device detection needs. You can check it out here: https://github.com/51Degrees/Java-Device-Detection.

For those looking for a tutorial on how to use the API for Device Type detection, there's a helpful guide available at .

In addition, there is a cloud version offered by 51Degrees that includes the DeviceType Property (beyond just IsMobile). Details about this cloud option can be found on the 51Degrees website. Signing up for the free cloud service may be required through the website, but rest assured it is completely free and doesn't require any bank details. Depending on your specific needs, you can also explore integration options using JavaScript and other tools.

Full disclosure: I am an employee of 51Degrees.

Answer №8

Check out for Open Source Device Detection solutions tailored for:

  • Java
  • C#
  • VB.net

This technology is built on the foundation of the W3C Device Description Repository.

When compared to similar offerings from 51Degrees, DeviceAtlas or ScientiaMobile/WURFL, OpenDDR stands out as an open source and freely accessible alternative.

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