RxJava - How Observable works

Observables represents the sources of data where as Observers (Subscribers) listen to them. In nutshell, an Observable emits items and a Subscriber then consumes these items.

Observable

  • Observable provides data once subscriber starts listening.

  • Observable can emit any number of items.

  • Observable can emit only signal of completion as well with no item.

  • Observable can terminate successfully.

  • Observable may never terminate. e.g. a button can be clicked any number of times.

  • Observable may throw error at any point of time.

Subscriber

  • Observable can have multiple subscribers.

  • When an Observable emits an item, each subscriber onNext() method gets invoked.

  • When an Observable finished emitting items, each subscriber onComplete() method gets invoked.

  • If an Observable emits error, each subscriber onError() method gets invoked.

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