Android Studio New Empty Activity Kotlin-based project – default code: is there a way to override this?

When you start a new project in Android Studio, you’re often greeted with a bunch of boilerplate code that you might not necessarily need or want. This can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. In this article, we’ll explore the default code generated by Android Studio for a new Empty Activity Kotlin-based project and how to override it to create a clean slate for your app development journey.

Understanding the Default Code

Let’s take a closer look at the default code generated by Android Studio for a new Empty Activity Kotlin-based project:

// MainActivity.kt
import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity
import android.os.Bundle

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
    override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_main)
    }
}

// activity_main.xml
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    xmlns:app="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res-auto"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    android:orientation="vertical">

    <TextView
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:text="Hello World!" />

</LinearLayout>

This code includes a basic `MainActivity` class that inherits from `AppCompatActivity` and overrides the `onCreate` method to set the content view of the activity. The `activity_main.xml` file defines a simple layout with a `TextView` that displays the text “Hello World!”.

Why Override the Default Code?

You might want to override the default code for several reasons:

• Simplify Your Codebase: The default code includes unnecessary elements that can clutter your project. By overriding the default code, you can start with a clean slate and add only the features you need.
• Improve Readability: A bloated codebase can make it difficult to understand and maintain your project. By removing unnecessary code, you can improve the readability of your project and reduce errors.
• Enhance Performance: Unnecessary code can impact the performance of your app. By removing unused elements, you can improve the performance and responsiveness of your app.
• Adapt to Your Needs: The default code is designed to cover a wide range of use cases. By overriding the default code, you can tailor your project to meet your specific needs and requirements.

How to Override the Default Code

To override the default code, follow these steps:

1. Delete Unnecessary Files: Start by deleting the `activity_main.xml` file and any other unnecessary files generated by Android Studio.
2. Create a New Layout File: Create a new layout file (e.g., `my_layout.xml`) and define your custom layout.
3. Update the MainActivity Class: Update the `MainActivity` class to use your new layout file instead of the default `activity_main.xml` file.
4. Remove Unnecessary Code: Remove any unnecessary code from the `MainActivity` class, such as the `TextView` declaration.

// my_layout.xml
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    android:orientation="vertical">

    

</LinearLayout>

// MainActivity.kt
import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity
import android.os.Bundle

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
    override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
        setContentView(R.layout.my_layout)
    }
}

Best Practices for Overriding Default Code

When overriding the default code, keep the following best practices in mind:

Best Practice	Description
Keep it Simple	Avoid cluttering your codebase with unnecessary elements. Only add elements that are essential to your app’s functionality.
Follow Android Guidelines	Follow the official Android guidelines for layouts, activities, and other components to ensure compatibility and consistency.
Use Meaningful Names	Use meaningful names for your files, variables, and methods to improve readability and maintainability.
Test Thoroughly	Test your app thoroughly to ensure that it works as expected after overriding the default code.

Conclusion

Overriding the default code in Android Studio can help you create a clean, efficient, and customizable codebase for your app. By following the steps and best practices outlined in this article, you can take control of your project and tailor it to meet your specific needs and requirements. Remember to keep it simple, follow Android guidelines, use meaningful names, and test thoroughly to ensure a successful app development journey.

Do you have any questions or experiences related to overriding default code in Android Studio? Share them in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Question

Getting started with Android Studio’s new empty activity Kotlin-based project can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to customizing the default code. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about overriding the default code: