CODEWITHSUNDEEP
androidlayout
Johnny Rockex
Johnny Rockex

Reputation: 4196

Android element layout: with XML or in code?

How easily can you layout elements in Android programmatically, and is this a practical alternative to using the XML / code split typically used in Android?

Coming from an iOS background, where similarly you can connect UI elements in a storyboard with code in the body files, I've found that creating all elements in code itself offers greater overview and reduces coding time. There's also a lot less toggling between the two files.

Android seems to place greater importance on the use of XML for layout than Apple does for storyboards, and I'm wondering if it's a bridge too far to force element creation into the activities themselves.

I get that to a limited extent the question refers to coding style (thereby inviting off-topic discussion), but not exclusively so and insofar it influences UX (and maybe performance), it's relevant.

Upvotes: 0

Views: 71

Answers (2)

Oussema Aroua
Oussema Aroua

Reputation: 5339

using xml is easier than using java and more flexible to control : example of Button inside LinearLayout

Button button = new Button(this);
button.setText("My Button");
button.setWidth(100);// in pixel not recommended
button.setHeight(100);
button.setBackgroundColor(Color.RED);
button.setX(100);
button.setY(100);
button.setTextSize(TypedValue.COMPLEX_UNIT_PX, 20);// to convert into sp
LinearLayout container = new LinearLayout(this);
LinearLayout.LayoutParams layoutParams = new LinearLayout.LayoutParams(LinearLayout.LayoutParams.MATCH_PARENT, LinearLayout.LayoutParams.MATCH_PARENT);
container.setLayoutParams(layoutParams);
container.addView(button);

it may take 15min of coding will using xml is just drag and drop and using the xml Editor

enter image description here

Upvotes: 1

Aditi
Aditi

Reputation: 389

Using layout files let you better manage the UI as compared to adding them programmatically which would include the aligning the views from all the sides and setting params and rules. This would make java file more cumbersome. Better approach would be keeping the two separate unless required.

Upvotes: 2

Related Questions