What is the main difference between Activities and Fragments in Android?

What is the main difference between Activities and Fragments in Android?

Activities and Fragments are essential components in Android development, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.

• Activities:
  • Activities represent the screens with a user interface in an Android application.
  • An application typically consists of multiple activities that users can navigate through.
  • Each activity has its own lifecycle and can exist independently or be interconnected with other activities.
  • Transition between activities is managed by the Android system, and activities are usually defined in the AndroidManifest.xml file.
• Fragments:
  • Fragments are modular components that can be combined within activities to create a flexible and multi-pane user interface.
  • Unlike activities, fragments do not have a standalone lifecycle and must be hosted within an activity.
  • Multiple fragments can be displayed within a single activity, allowing for better organization and reusability of UI elements.
  • Fragments offer better support for larger screens and different device orientations by adapting their layouts dynamically.

In summary, while activities represent standalone screens in an Android app, fragments are reusable components that can be combined within activities to create a more flexible and adaptable user interface.