Android Multi-Window Mode is a feature that allows users to split their screen into multiple windows, each containing a separate app or activity. This feature has been ailable on Android devices since Android 4.4 (KitKat) and has been improved over the years. As a developer, creating multi-window apps can be a challenging task, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can create apps that take advantage of this feature.
In this tutorial, we will cover the basics of Android Multi-Window Mode, its implementation, and best practices for creating multi-window apps. We will also cover testing and debugging techniques to ensure that your app works correctly in multi-window mode.
What Readers Will Learn The basics of Android Multi-Window Mode and its implementation How to create multi-window apps using Android Studio Best practices for creating multi-window apps, including performance considerations and security considerations How to test and debug multi-window apps Prerequisites Android Studio (version 2021.1 or later) Android SDK (version 30 or later) Basic knowledge of Ja or Kotlin programming language Technologies/Tools Needed Android Studio Android SDK Ja or Kotlin programming language Android Multi-Window Mode API (ailable in Android 4.4 and later) Relevant Links to Tools/Packages Android Studio: https://developer.android.com/studio Android SDK: https://developer.android.com/studio Android Multi-Window Mode API: https://developer.android.com/reference/android/view/MultiWindowMode Technical Background Core Concepts and Terminology Multi-window mode: a feature that allows users to split their screen into multiple windows, each containing a separate app or activity. Window: a separate area of the screen that contains a single app or activity. Task: a collection of windows that are related to each other. Window manager: a component that manages the windows on the screen. How it Works Under the HoodWhen a user enables multi-window mode, the window manager creates a new window for each app that is running in the background. The window manager then manages the windows, including their size, position, and visibility.
The Android Multi-Window Mode API provides a set of classes and interfaces that allow developers to create multi-window apps. The API includes classes such as Window, Task, and WindowManager, which provide methods for creating, managing, and interacting with windows.
Best Practices and Common Pitfalls Use the Window class to create windows for your app. Use the Task class to manage the windows that are related to each other. Use the WindowManager class to manage the windows on the screen. Avoid using the Window class to create windows that are too large or too small. Avoid using the Task class to manage windows that are not related to each other. Implementation Guide Step 1: Create a New Project in Android StudioTo create a new project in Android Studio, follow these steps:
Open Android Studio and click on “Start a new Android Studio project”. Fill in the project details, including the project name, package name, and location. Choose the “Empty Activity” template. Click on “Finish” to create the project. Step 2: Add the Android Multi-Window Mode API to Your ProjectTo add the Android Multi-Window Mode API to your project, follow these steps:
Open the build.gradle file in your project. Add the following line to the dependencies section: implementation 'androidx.multiwindows:multiwindows:1.0.0' Click on “Sync” to update the project. Step 3: Create a New Activity for Multi-Window ModeTo create a new activity for multi-window mode, follow these steps:
Open the MainActivity.ja file in your project. Add the following code to the onCreate method: import android.os.Bundle; import android.view.Window; import android.view.WindowManager; public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity { @Override protected void onCreate(Bundle sedInstanceState) { super.onCreate(sedInstanceState); requestWindowFeature(Window.FEATURE_NO_TITLE); getWindow().setFlags(WindowManager.LayoutParams.FLAG_MULTITASK, WindowManager.LayoutParams.FLAG_MULTITASK); setContentView(R.layout.activity_main); } } Create a new layout file called activity_main.xml and add the following code: Run the app on a device that supports multi-window mode. Code Examples Example 1: Creating a Multi-Window AppTo create a multi-window app, follow these steps:
Create a new activity called MultiWindowActivity. Add the following code to the onCreate method: import android.os.Bundle; import android.view.Window; import android.view.WindowManager; public class MultiWindowActivity extends AppCompatActivity { @Override protected void onCreate(Bundle sedInstanceState) { super.onCreate(sedInstanceState); requestWindowFeature(Window.FEATURE_NO_TITLE); getWindow().setFlags(WindowManager.LayoutParams.FLAG_MULTITASK, WindowManager.LayoutParams.FLAG_MULTITASK); setContentView(R.layout.activity_multi_window); } } Create a new layout file called activity_multi_window.xml and add the following code: Run the app on a device that supports multi-window mode. Example 2: Managing WindowsTo manage windows, follow these steps:
Create a new activity called WindowManagerActivity. Add the following code to the onCreate method: import android.os.Bundle; import android.view.Window; import android.view.WindowManager; public class WindowManagerActivity extends AppCompatActivity { @Override protected void onCreate(Bundle sedInstanceState) { super.onCreate(sedInstanceState); requestWindowFeature(Window.FEATURE_NO_TITLE); getWindow().setFlags(WindowManager.LayoutParams.FLAG_MULTITASK, WindowManager.LayoutParams.FLAG_MULTITASK); setContentView(R.layout.activity_window_manager); } } Create a new layout file called activity_window_manager.xml and add the following code: Add the following code to the onCreate method: WindowManager windowManager = (WindowManager) getSystemService(Context.WINDOW_SERVICE); Window window = windowManager.getDefaultDisplay().getWindowManager().getDisplay().getWindow(0); window.setFlags(WindowManager.LayoutParams.FLAG_MULTITASK, WindowManager.LayoutParams.FLAG_MULTITASK); Run the app on a device that supports multi-window mode. Best Practices and Optimization Performance ConsiderationsTo improve performance, follow these best practices:
Use the Window class to create windows for your app. Use the Task class to manage the windows that are related to each other. Use the WindowManager class to manage the windows on the screen. Avoid using the Window class to create windows that are too large or too small. Avoid using the Task class to manage windows that are not related to each other. Security ConsiderationsTo improve security, follow these best practices:
Use the Window class to create windows for your app. Use the Task class to manage the windows that are related to each other. Use the WindowManager class to manage the windows on the screen. Avoid using the Window class to create windows that are too large or too small. Avoid using the Task class to manage windows that are not related to each other. Code Organization TipsTo improve code organization, follow these tips:
Create separate folders for different components of your app. Use clear and descriptive names for your files and folders. Use comments to explain the purpose of each file and folder. # Sharing is Caring: Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email