Best practices for implementing Activities?

Best Practices for Implementing Activities in Android

When developing Android applications, efficient usage of Activities is crucial for a seamless user experience. Below are some best practices to consider while implementing Activities.

1. Understand Activity Lifecycle

Comprehending the lifecycle of Activities is fundamental to building robust applications. Pay close attention to methods like onCreate(), onStart(), onResume(), onPause(), onStop(), and onDestroy().

2. Use Fragments for Reusability

Instead of combining multiple UI elements within a single Activity, consider using Fragments. Fragments allow for reusable components and better management of complex user interfaces.

3. Handle Configuration Changes

Configuration changes, such as screen rotations, can destroy and recreate the Activity. Save instance state using onSaveInstanceState() and restore the state in onCreate().

4. Avoid Heavy Operations in UI Thread

To prevent freezing or lagging the UI, always run heavy operations (like network requests or database transactions) in background threads. Use AsyncTask, Handler, or libraries like RxJava for this purpose.

5. Leverage Intents Properly

Use Intents to navigate between Activities, but ensure they are used effectively. Avoid overusing Intents for data passing; use Bundle or a shared ViewModel if necessary.

6. Maintain a Clear Back Stack

Control the back stack using the TaskStackBuilder and ensure the navigation feels natural to the user. Manage navigation properly to prevent abrupt transitions.

Example Code Snippet


    <?php
    class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity {
        @Override
        protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
            super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
            setContentView(R.layout.activity_main);
        }

        @Override
        protected void onPause() {
            super.onPause();
            // Handle activity pause
        }

        @Override
        protected void onResume() {
            super.onResume();
            // Handle activity resume
        }
    }
    ?>

Best practices for implementing Activities?