Android Views, Layouts, and Method Invocation

Vocabulary terms covering the fundamentals of Android UI components, method invocation basics, and various layout styles used in app development.

View

The basic building block for UI components in Android that displays content or captures user interaction.

Compound Views

A group of Views combined into a single, reusable unit to simplify UI architecture and avoid repetitive coding.

Method Invocation

Calling a method on an object to perform a specific task, effectively asking a component to "do something".

$$findViewById$$

A method used to fetch a specific view from the XML layout so it can be used in code.

$$setText$$

A method invoked on an object to command it to change its display text.

Layout

An invisible container that controls the placement, organization, and sizing of the Views inside it.

LinearLayout

A layout that arranges its children in a strict single sequence, either horizontally or vertically.

RelativeLayout

A layout that positions views dynamically relative to their siblings or their parent container, allowing for flexible positioning and intentional overlapping.

ConstraintLayout

The recommended modern standard for most apps, relying on a flat hierarchy and elastic constraints between views for highly responsive UIs.

FrameLayout

The simplest layout structure designed to stack views directly on top of each other, primarily used for Z-index overlays or as a fragments container.

GridLayout

A layout designed for managing 2D space by arranging views in strict rows and columns.

TableLayout

A layout for structured, tabular data that mimics an HTML table by utilizing the $TableRow$ component.

Weight, Gravity, and Padding

Key attributes used primarily within a $LinearLayout$ to control the distribution and positioning of space among child elements.