6 June 2024 Leave a comment Tech-Help
When developing Android applications, you might come across two XML properties: match_parent and fill_parent. These properties are used to specify the size of a view in relation to its parent layout. While they appear similar, there is a key detail that developers should be aware of. This article aims to clarify the differences and provide guidance on which property to use.
match_parent vs. fill_parent
Both match_parent and fill_parent are used to make a view as large as its parent. However, there is an important distinction:
- fill_parent: This property was used in Android versions prior to API Level 8 (Android 2.2). It instructs the view to be as large as its parent, minus any padding.
- match_parent: Introduced in API Level 8, this property serves the same purpose as
fill_parentbut is the recommended property to use in modern Android development.
Why the Change?
Google changed the name from fill_parent to match_parent to avoid confusion. The term “fill” could imply that the view affects the dimensions of the parent, whereas “match” more accurately describes the intended behavior: the view matches the dimensions of its parent.
Despite the change, both constants resolve to the same value (-1) and result in identical behavior in the app. Therefore, using match_parent is recommended for future compatibility.
Practical Example
Consider the following XML layout:
<LinearLayout
android:layout_width="300dp"
android:layout_height="300dp"
android:background="#f9b0b0">
<TextView
android:layout_width="match_parent"
android:layout_height="match_parent"
android:background="#b0f9dc"/>
</LinearLayout>
In this example, the TextView will occupy the entire area of its parent LinearLayout. If padding is applied to the parent, the TextView will adjust its size accordingly.
Deprecation of fill_parent
As of API Level 8, fill_parent has been deprecated and replaced by match_parent. Developers are encouraged to use match_parent to ensure compatibility with future Android versions.
Conclusion
In summary, match_parent and fill_parent serve the same function, but match_parent is the modern and recommended property to use. This ensures your app remains compatible with the latest Android versions.
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