course on Kotlin Android App Development, Understanding System Status

Android app development is the process of creating applications that operate across various devices and environments. To ensure that the app functions correctly, understanding the system state of the device and taking appropriate actions when necessary is crucial. In this article, we will explore how to identify the system state in Android apps using Kotlin. By understanding the system state, developers can detect various elements such as app performance, battery consumption, and network status, thereby providing a better user experience.

1. What is System State?

The system state encompasses various properties and behaviors of Android devices. Generally, the key system states we need to check are as follows:

  • Device battery status
  • Network connection status
  • Memory usage
  • CPU usage
  • Device screen temperature

This information is used to optimize app functions, user interface, performance, and more.

2. Understanding Battery Status

To check the battery status in Android, we use the BatteryManager class. This allows us to obtain the current battery level and power supply status.

2.1 How to Retrieve Battery Status

Here is an example code for retrieving the battery status:


import android.content.BroadcastReceiver
import android.content.Context
import android.content.Intent
import android.content.IntentFilter
import android.os.BatteryManager
import android.os.Bundle
import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity
import android.widget.TextView

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
    private lateinit var batteryInfo: TextView

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

        batteryInfo = findViewById(R.id.batteryInfo)

        val batteryStatus: Intent? = IntentFilter(Intent.ACTION_BATTERY_CHANGED).let { intentFilter ->
            registerReceiver(null, intentFilter)
        }

        val level: Int = batteryStatus?.getIntExtra(BatteryManager.EXTRA_LEVEL, -1) ?: -1
        val scale: Int = batteryStatus?.getIntExtra(BatteryManager.EXTRA_SCALE, -1) ?: -1
        val batteryPct: Float = level / scale.toFloat() * 100

        batteryInfo.text = "Battery Level: ${batteryPct.toInt()}%"
    }
}

2.2 Basic XML Layout File

The basic XML layout file for executing the above code is as follows:


<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    android:orientation="vertical"
    android:padding="16dp">

    <TextView
        android:id="@+id/batteryInfo"
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:textSize="24sp"/>

</LinearLayout>

3. Understanding Network Status

To check the network status in Android, we use ConnectivityManager. This allows us to check Wi-Fi, mobile data, and disconnected status.

3.1 How to Check Network Status

Here is an example code for checking the network status:


import android.content.Context
import android.net.ConnectivityManager
import android.net.NetworkCapabilities
import android.os.Bundle
import android.widget.TextView
import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
    private lateinit var networkInfo: TextView

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

        networkInfo = findViewById(R.id.networkInfo)

        val connectivityManager = getSystemService(Context.CONNECTIVITY_SERVICE) as ConnectivityManager
        val networkCapabilities = connectivityManager.getNetworkCapabilities(connectivityManager.activeNetwork)

        val isConnected = networkCapabilities?.hasCapability(NetworkCapabilities.NET_CAPABILITY_INTERNET) == true

        networkInfo.text = if (isConnected) "Internet Connected" else "Internet Not Connected"
    }
}

3.2 XML Layout File

The XML layout to be used with the above code is as follows:


<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    android:orientation="vertical"
    android:padding="16dp">

    <TextView
        android:id="@+id/networkInfo"
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:textSize="24sp"/>

</LinearLayout>

4. Understanding Memory Usage

To assess memory usage, we use ActivityManager. This allows us to check available memory and current usage.

4.1 How to Check Memory Usage

Here is an example code to check memory usage:


import android.app.ActivityManager
import android.content.Context
import android.os.Bundle
import android.widget.TextView
import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
    private lateinit var memoryInfo: TextView

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

        memoryInfo = findViewById(R.id.memoryInfo)

        val activityManager = getSystemService(Context.ACTIVITY_SERVICE) as ActivityManager
        val memoryInfo = ActivityManager.MemoryInfo()
        activityManager.getMemoryInfo(memoryInfo)

        val availableMemory = memoryInfo.availMem / (1024 * 1024)
        this.memoryInfo.text = "Available Memory: $availableMemory MB"
    }
}

4.2 XML Layout File

The XML layout for executing the above memory usage check code is as follows:


<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    android:orientation="vertical"
    android:padding="16dp">

    <TextView
        android:id="@+id/memoryInfo"
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:textSize="24sp"/>

</LinearLayout>

5. Understanding CPU Usage

To assess CPU usage, we mainly use Debug.MemoryInfo. This allows us to inspect memory usage for the current process. However, checking the overall CPU usage of the system can be complex, and alternative methods are required for that.

Here is an example code that can help determine CPU usage persistence:


import android.os.Bundle
import android.os.Debug
import android.widget.TextView
import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
    private lateinit var cpuInfo: TextView

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

        cpuInfo = findViewById(R.id.cpuInfo)

        val memoryInfo = Debug.MemoryInfo()
        Debug.getMemoryInfo(memoryInfo)

        cpuInfo.text = "Total Memory Usage: ${memoryInfo.totalPss} KB"
    }
}

5.2 XML Layout File

The XML layout for executing the above CPU usage check code is as follows:


<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    android:orientation="vertical"
    android:padding="16dp">

    <TextView
        android:id="@+id/cpuInfo"
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:textSize="24sp"/>

</LinearLayout>

6. Understanding Screen Temperature

To check the temperature of the device, the Android API allows us to retrieve the temperature value as part of the data through the BatteryManager class. The value is presented in tenths of a degree; for example, if 270 is returned, the device’s temperature is 27 degrees.

6.1 How to Retrieve Screen Temperature

Here is a simple example to retrieve the temperature:


import android.content.Context
import android.content.Intent
import android.content.IntentFilter
import android.os.BatteryManager
import android.os.Bundle
import android.widget.TextView
import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
    private lateinit var temperatureInfo: TextView

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

        temperatureInfo = findViewById(R.id.temperatureInfo)

        val intent: Intent? = IntentFilter(Intent.ACTION_BATTERY_CHANGED).let { intentFilter ->
            registerReceiver(null, intentFilter)
        }

        val temperature: Int = intent?.getIntExtra(BatteryManager.EXTRA_TEMPERATURE, 0) ?: 0
        val temperatureCelsius = temperature / 10.0

        temperatureInfo.text = "Battery Temperature: $temperatureCelsius °C"
    }
}

6.2 XML Layout File

The XML layout for executing the above temperature check code is as follows:


<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    android:orientation="vertical"
    android:padding="16dp">

    <TextView
        android:id="@+id/temperatureInfo"
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:textSize="24sp"/>

</LinearLayout>

7. How to Consolidate All System State Information

Now we will explore how to identify each system state and consolidate them. We can integrate all system information (battery status, network status, memory usage, CPU usage, screen temperature) into one screen by using a single Activity.


import android.app.ActivityManager
import android.content.BroadcastReceiver
import android.content.Context
import android.content.Intent
import android.content.IntentFilter
import android.net.ConnectivityManager
import android.net.NetworkCapabilities
import android.os.BatteryManager
import android.os.Bundle
import android.widget.TextView
import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
    private lateinit var statusInfo: TextView

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

        statusInfo = findViewById(R.id.statusInfo)

        val batteryStatus = IntentFilter(Intent.ACTION_BATTERY_CHANGED).let { filter ->
            registerReceiver(null, filter)
        }

        val level = batteryStatus?.getIntExtra(BatteryManager.EXTRA_LEVEL, -1) ?: -1
        val scale = batteryStatus?.getIntExtra(BatteryManager.EXTRA_SCALE, -1) ?: -1
        val batteryPct = level / scale.toFloat() * 100

        val connectivityManager = getSystemService(Context.CONNECTIVITY_SERVICE) as ConnectivityManager
        val networkCapabilities = connectivityManager.getNetworkCapabilities(connectivityManager.activeNetwork)
        val isConnected = networkCapabilities?.hasCapability(NetworkCapabilities.NET_CAPABILITY_INTERNET) == true

        val activityManager = getSystemService(Context.ACTIVITY_SERVICE) as ActivityManager
        val memoryInfo = ActivityManager.MemoryInfo()
        activityManager.getMemoryInfo(memoryInfo)
        val availableMemory = memoryInfo.availMem / (1024 * 1024)

        val temperature: Int = batteryStatus?.getIntExtra(BatteryManager.EXTRA_TEMPERATURE, 0) ?: 0
        val temperatureCelsius = temperature / 10.0

        val status = "Battery Level: ${batteryPct.toInt()}%\n" +
                     "Network Status: ${if (isConnected) "Connected" else "Not Connected"}\n" +
                     "Available Memory: $availableMemory MB\n" +
                     "Battery Temperature: $temperatureCelsius °C"

        statusInfo.text = status
    }
}

7.2 XML Layout File

Finally, the XML layout to display all the information can be structured as follows:


<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    android:orientation="vertical"
    android:padding="16dp">

    <TextView
        android:id="@+id/statusInfo"
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:textSize="18sp"/>

</LinearLayout>

8. Conclusion

In this tutorial, we explored various methods to identify the system state in Android apps using Kotlin. We examined simple example codes for checking battery status, network status, memory usage, CPU usage, and screen temperature. By effectively utilizing these system information, you can provide users with a more comfortable and efficient app experience.

Based on this knowledge, we hope you will pursue more advanced app development!

kotlin android app development course, creating the stopwatch feature of a clock app

Implementing a stopwatch feature while creating a clock app in Android development is a very useful exercise. In this article, we will detail how to create a stopwatch feature using Kotlin. We will set up the overall app structure, design the UI of the stopwatch, and implement its basic functionality.

1. Project Setup

Open Android Studio and create a new project. Set the project name to “StopwatchApp” and choose Kotlin as the language. Set the Minimum SDK to API 21 (Lollipop) or higher.

1.1. Adding Gradle Dependencies

No special libraries are needed to implement the UI elements of the stopwatch, but we will use ViewModel and LiveData to manage the UI state. Therefore, add the following dependencies to the build.gradle file.

implementation "androidx.lifecycle:lifecycle-viewmodel-ktx:2.4.0"
implementation "androidx.lifecycle:lifecycle-livedata-ktx:2.4.0"

2. UI Design

The UI of the stopwatch consists mainly of TextView and Button. Open the activity_main.xml file and design the UI as follows.

<?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"
    android:gravity="center">

    <TextView
        android:id="@+id/tvStopwatch"
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:textSize="48sp"
        android:text="00:00:00"
        android:layout_marginBottom="20dp"/>

    <Button
        android:id="@+id/btnStart"
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:text="Start"/>

    <Button
        android:id="@+id/btnStop"
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:text="Stop"/>

    <Button
        android:id="@+id/btnReset"
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:text="Reset"/>

</LinearLayout>

3. Implementing Logic

Open the MainActivity.kt file and implement the logic of the stopwatch. We will utilize CountDownTimer to count the time of the stopwatch.

3.1. Creating ViewModel

Create a ViewModel class to manage the state of the stopwatch. This will allow us to store UI-related data.

class StopwatchViewModel : ViewModel() {
    private var timer: CountDownTimer? = null
    private var time = 0L
    private val _formattedTime = MutableLiveData()

    val formattedTime: LiveData get() = _formattedTime

    private fun updateTime() {
        val hours = (time / 3600000) % 24
        val minutes = (time / 60000) % 60
        val seconds = (time / 1000) % 60
        _formattedTime.value = String.format("%02d:%02d:%02d", hours, minutes, seconds)
    }

    fun start() {
        timer = object : CountDownTimer(Long.MAX_VALUE, 1000) {
            override fun onTick(millisUntilFinished: Long) {
                time += 1000
                updateTime()
            }

            override fun onFinish() {}
        }.start()
    }

    fun stop() {
        timer?.cancel()
    }

    fun reset() {
        stop()
        time = 0
        updateTime()
    }
}

3.2. Implementing MainActivity

Now, in the MainActivity.kt file, we will handle button click events using the ViewModel.

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
    private lateinit var viewModel: StopwatchViewModel
    private lateinit var tvStopwatch: TextView
    private lateinit var btnStart: Button
    private lateinit var btnStop: Button
    private lateinit var btnReset: Button

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

        viewModel = ViewModelProvider(this).get(StopwatchViewModel::class.java)
        tvStopwatch = findViewById(R.id.tvStopwatch)
        btnStart = findViewById(R.id.btnStart)
        btnStop = findViewById(R.id.btnStop)
        btnReset = findViewById(R.id.btnReset)

        viewModel.formattedTime.observe(this, { time ->
            tvStopwatch.text = time
        })

        btnStart.setOnClickListener {
            viewModel.start()
        }

        btnStop.setOnClickListener {
            viewModel.stop()
        }

        btnReset.setOnClickListener {
            viewModel.reset()
        }
    }
}

4. Running and Testing the App

Now let’s run the app and test the stopwatch feature. Pressing the start button will start the stopwatch, the stop button will halt the time, and the reset button will reset the time.

5. Improvements

While the basic stopwatch functionality is implemented, the following additional features can be improved and implemented:

  • Add a Pause feature
  • Add a Lap feature
  • Improve the UI and apply animations

6. Conclusion

In this article, we explained how to create a simple stopwatch feature in an Android app using Kotlin. Through this basic app, you will familiarize yourself with fundamental concepts of Kotlin and Android. It will serve as a strong foundation for building more complex apps in the future.

Now, as you develop each feature further, enhance your Android app development skills!

Kotlin Android App Development Course, Get Smartphone Information

When developing apps on smartphones, obtaining user device information is essential. To enhance user experience and provide personalized services, it is necessary to utilize various information about the device. This course will explain in detail how to effectively obtain information from Android devices using Kotlin.

1. What is Smartphone Information?

Smartphone information refers to information about the user’s hardware and software components. It can include the following:

  • Device model
  • OS version
  • Manufacturer
  • Storage space information
  • Network connectivity status
  • Battery status
  • Sensor information

2. Setting Necessary Permissions

To access device information, the necessary permissions must be set in the AndroidManifest.xml file. Below is a basic example of permission settings:


<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    package="com.example.deviceinfo">

    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE" />
    <application
        android:allowBackup="true"
        android:icon="@mipmap/ic_launcher"
        android:label="@string/app_name"
        android:roundIcon="@mipmap/ic_launcher_round"
        android:supportsRtl="true"
        android:theme="@style/AppTheme">
        
        <activity android:name=".MainActivity">
            <intent-filter>
                <action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
                <category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
            </intent-filter>
        </activity>

    </application>
</manifest>

    

3. Information Access Libraries

Android provides various libraries to obtain information, including:

  • Build: Device and OS information
  • ConnectivityManager: Network status
  • BatteryManager: Battery status
  • PackageManager: Installed app information

4. Device Information Code Example

The example code below shows how to retrieve information from an Android device using Kotlin.


import android.content.Context
import android.os.Build
import android.content.Intent
import android.content.IntentFilter
import android.os.BatteryManager
import android.net.ConnectivityManager
import android.net.NetworkInfo

class DeviceInfo(context: Context) {

    private val appContext = context.applicationContext

    fun getDeviceModel(): String {
        return Build.MODEL
    }

    fun getOSVersion(): String {
        return Build.VERSION.RELEASE
    }

    fun getManufacturer(): String {
        return Build.MANUFACTURER
    }

    fun getBatteryLevel(): Int {
        val batteryStatus: Intent? = IntentFilter(Intent.ACTION_BATTERY_CHANGED).let { intentFilter ->
            appContext.registerReceiver(null, intentFilter)
        }
        val level = batteryStatus?.getIntExtra(BatteryManager.EXTRA_LEVEL, -1) ?: -1
        val scale = batteryStatus?.getIntExtra(BatteryManager.EXTRA_SCALE, -1) ?: -1
        return (level / scale.toFloat() * 100).toInt()
    }

    fun isConnectedToNetwork(): Boolean {
        val connectivityManager = appContext.getSystemService(Context.CONNECTIVITY_SERVICE) as ConnectivityManager
        val networkInfo: NetworkInfo? = connectivityManager.activeNetworkInfo
        return networkInfo != null && networkInfo.isConnected
    }
}

    

4.1 Usage

The following shows how to retrieve device information using the above class:


class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {

    private lateinit var deviceInfo: DeviceInfo

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

        deviceInfo = DeviceInfo(this)

        val deviceModel = deviceInfo.getDeviceModel()
        val osVersion = deviceInfo.getOSVersion()
        val manufacturer = deviceInfo.getManufacturer()
        val batteryLevel = deviceInfo.getBatteryLevel()
        val isConnected = deviceInfo.isConnectedToNetwork()

        // Displaying information on UI
        displayDeviceInfo(deviceModel, osVersion, manufacturer, batteryLevel, isConnected)
    }

    private fun displayDeviceInfo(model: String, os: String, manufacturer: String, battery: Int, connected: Boolean) {
        // UI update code
    }
}

    

5. Displaying Various Information

There are various ways to display the information created above on the UI. You can use RecyclerView or ListView to show the information in a list format, or use TextView to simply display the information. For example:


private fun displayDeviceInfo(model: String, os: String, manufacturer: String, battery: Int, connected: Boolean) {
    val infoTextView: TextView = findViewById(R.id.infoTextView)
    val connectionStatus = if (connected) "Connected" else "Not Connected"
    
    val info = "Model: $model\n" +
               "OS Version: $os\n" +
               "Manufacturer: $manufacturer\n" +
               "Battery Level: $battery%\n" +
               "Network Status: $connectionStatus"
    
    infoTextView.text = info
}

    

6. Ways to Improve the Project

This project is just a starting point. It can be further improved in the following ways:

  • Add various sensor information
  • Improve UI design
  • Provide personalized services

Conclusion

Obtaining smartphone information is essential for enhancing user experience and making apps more useful. Through the methods explained in this course, you can effectively access and utilize device information in Android apps using Kotlin. Create applications that handle more information through various practices!

Author: [Your Name]

Written on: [Date]

Kotlin Android App Development Course, Linear Layout – LinearLayout

Android app development is an attractive experience. Among them, Kotlin combines modern syntax, making app development simple and efficient. In this article, we will explain in detail about LinearLayout, one of the Android UI components. LinearLayout is the most basic layout that can arrange child views vertically or horizontally, depending on the direction.

1. Overview of LinearLayout

LinearLayout is a layout that can arrange child views horizontally or vertically. It is primarily used to align UI elements and is a very powerful tool for grouping multiple views together in a simple way. By using LinearLayout, you can design so that the position of each view does not deviate.

1.1 Key Properties of LinearLayout

  • orientation: Determines the direction of the LinearLayout. You can choose whether to arrange it horizontally (horizontal) or vertically (vertical).
  • gravity: Determines the position of child views within the LinearLayout. For example, various positioning settings such as center alignment or end alignment are possible.
  • layout_width, layout_height: Sets the size of the LinearLayout. Values such as ”match_parent” or ”wrap_content” can be used.
  • weightSum: Allows you to set the ratio of child views within the LinearLayout. Through this property, you can adjust the proportion of views to create various layouts.

2. Using LinearLayout

LinearLayout can be defined in an XML layout file or programmatically (in code). First, let’s define a LinearLayout in the XML file.

2.1 Defining LinearLayout in XML

The following is a method to define a basic LinearLayout in XML. Open the res/layout/activity_main.xml file in Android Studio and write the code below.

<LinearLayout
    xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    android:orientation="vertical"
    android:padding="16dp">

    <TextView
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:text="Hello!"
        android:textSize="24sp"
        android:layout_gravity="center"/>

    <Button
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:text="Button 1"
        android:layout_gravity="center"/>

    <Button
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:text="Button 2"
        android:layout_gravity="center"/>

</LinearLayout>

2.2 Setting Up LinearLayout in Code

You can also set up LinearLayout using code instead of XML. Below is how to create a LinearLayout in Kotlin and add child views to it.

import android.os.Bundle
import android.widget.Button
import android.widget.LinearLayout
import android.widget.TextView
import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {

    override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)

        // Create LinearLayout
        val linearLayout = LinearLayout(this)
        linearLayout.orientation = LinearLayout.VERTICAL
        linearLayout.layoutParams = LinearLayout.LayoutParams(
            LinearLayout.LayoutParams.MATCH_PARENT,
            LinearLayout.LayoutParams.MATCH_PARENT
        )

        // Add TextView
        val textView = TextView(this)
        textView.text = "Hello!"
        textView.textSize = 24f
        linearLayout.addView(textView)

        // Add Button 1
        val button1 = Button(this)
        button1.text = "Button 1"
        linearLayout.addView(button1)

        // Add Button 2
        val button2 = Button(this)
        button2.text = "Button 2"
        linearLayout.addView(button2)

        // Set LinearLayout as the content view of the Activity
        setContentView(linearLayout)
    }
}

3. Helpful Tips for Using LinearLayout

3.1 Using Weight

One of the biggest advantages of LinearLayout is that you can adjust the placement of child views through weights. Views with higher weights will take up more space. The example below uses weights to make two buttons occupy half of the screen each.

<LinearLayout
    xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    android:orientation="horizontal">

    <Button
        android:layout_width="0dp"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:text="Button A"
        android:layout_weight="1"/>

    <Button
        android:layout_width="0dp"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:text="Button B"
        android:layout_weight="1"/>

</LinearLayout>

4. Advanced Features of LinearLayout

LinearLayout is very useful for creating complex UIs. However, let’s also look at some advanced features.

4.1 Nested LinearLayouts

You can nest LinearLayouts. The example below shows a vertical LinearLayout with a horizontally nested LinearLayout.

<LinearLayout
    xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    android:orientation="vertical">

    <LinearLayout
        android:layout_width="match_parent"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:orientation="horizontal">

        <Button
            android:layout_width="wrap_content"
            android:layout_height="wrap_content"
            android:text="Button A"/>

        <Button
            android:layout_width="wrap_content"
            android:layout_height="wrap_content"
            android:text="Button B"/>

    </LinearLayout>

    <TextView
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:text="Text of Nested Layout"
        android:textSize="18sp"/>

</LinearLayout>

4.2 Adding Various Views to LinearLayout

LinearLayout can include various UI components. For example, views like EditText, ImageView, and CheckBox can be added. Below is an example that adds an EditText and a CheckBox.

<LinearLayout
    xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="wrap_content"
    android:orientation="vertical">

    <EditText
        android:layout_width="match_parent"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:hint="Enter your name"/>

    <CheckBox
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:text="I agree"/>

</LinearLayout>

5. Conclusion

LinearLayout is one of the foundational layouts in Android app development. By aligning views either horizontally or vertically and adjusting weights, you can design a flexible UI. By understanding and utilizing everything from basic usage to advanced features, you can enrich your app’s UI design. Try using LinearLayout with Kotlin to develop apps that provide a more attractive user experience.

Wishing you good luck on your Kotlin Android app development journey!

Kotlin Android app development course, sound and vibration notifications

Written on: October 4, 2023

1. Overview

This tutorial explains how to implement sound and vibration notifications in Android apps using Kotlin. The notification system is a crucial element that allows interaction with users in Android apps, and through this course, you will understand and implement basic notification functionalities.

Sound and vibration notifications can be utilized in various situations to grab the user’s attention. For example, they are used when a message or notification arrives or when a specific event occurs.
This tutorial will cover not only the basic usage of notifications but also how to create custom notification channels to apply various sounds and vibration patterns.

2. Setting Up the Development Environment

This tutorial is based on Android Studio. Android Studio is the most widely used integrated development environment (IDE) for Android app development. You can set up the environment by following the steps below.

  1. Install Android Studio: Download and install the latest version of Android Studio. Make sure to select the option to include all necessary components during installation.
  2. Kotlin Support: Android Studio natively supports Kotlin, so you don’t need to install a Kotlin plugin. Just select the Kotlin option when creating a new project.
  3. Create a Project: Start a new project by selecting the ‘Empty Activity’ template. Choose the project name and package name according to your preference.

3. Understanding the Notification System

The notification system in Android allows users to receive information about specific events and displays notifications in the top status bar. Notifications can take various forms and can include sound, vibration, text, and images.

To use notifications, you need to use the NotificationCompat.Builder class. This class allows you to set the details of the notification, which is displayed through the NotificationManager.

4. Implementing Basic Notifications

First, let’s look at a simple example of implementing a basic notification. In this example, we will create a simple app that displays a notification when a button is clicked.
Use the code below to add to your MainActivity.kt file.

4.1 MainActivity.kt


                package com.example.soundvibrationnotification

                import android.app.NotificationChannel
                import android.app.NotificationManager
                import android.content.Context
                import android.os.Build
                import android.os.Bundle
                import android.view.View
                import android.widget.Button
                import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity
                import androidx.core.app.NotificationCompat

                class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {

                    private val channelId = "default_channel_id"
                    private val notificationId = 1

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

                        createNotificationChannel()

                        val button: Button = findViewById(R.id.button_notify)
                        button.setOnClickListener { sendNotification() }
                    }

                    private fun createNotificationChannel() {
                        if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.O) {
                            val channel = NotificationChannel(
                                channelId,
                                "Default Channel",
                                NotificationManager.IMPORTANCE_DEFAULT
                            )
                            val notificationManager: NotificationManager = getSystemService(
                                Context.NOTIFICATION_SERVICE
                            ) as NotificationManager
                            notificationManager.createNotificationChannel(channel)
                        }
                    }

                    private fun sendNotification() {
                        val builder = NotificationCompat.Builder(this, channelId)
                            .setSmallIcon(R.drawable.ic_notification)
                            .setContentTitle("Sound and Vibration Notification")
                            .setContentText("This is a default notification.")
                            .setPriority(NotificationCompat.PRIORITY_DEFAULT)

                        val notificationManager = getSystemService(Context.NOTIFICATION_SERVICE) as NotificationManager
                        notificationManager.notify(notificationId, builder.build())
                    }
                }
            

Explanation of the example code:

  • Channel Creation: For Android version 8.0 (API 26) and above, you need to create a notification channel. This allows users to group notifications and control them according to their preferences.
  • Sending Notification: Using NotificationCompat.Builder, set the title, content, and icon of the notification, then send the notification via the notify() method.

If you run the above code along with the activity_main.xml file, you will see that a notification appears when you click the ‘Sound and Vibration Notification’ button.

5. Adding Sound Notifications

Now, let’s add sound to the notifications. Add a sound file to the res/raw folder and dynamically assign the sound when setting up the notification.
Modify the example code below to implement sound notifications.

5.1 Adding Sound Files

Add a sound file to the res/raw folder. For example, let’s assume you added a sound file named ‘notification_sound.mp3’.

5.2 Modify MainActivity.kt


                private fun sendNotification() {
                    val soundUri = RingtoneManager.getDefaultUri(RingtoneManager.TYPE_NOTIFICATION)
                    val builder = NotificationCompat.Builder(this, channelId)
                        .setSmallIcon(R.drawable.ic_notification)
                        .setContentTitle("Sound and Vibration Notification")
                        .setContentText("This is a sound notification.")
                        .setSound(soundUri) // Add sound
                        .setPriority(NotificationCompat.PRIORITY_DEFAULT)

                    val notificationManager = getSystemService(Context.NOTIFICATION_SERVICE) as NotificationManager
                    notificationManager.notify(notificationId, builder.build())
                }
            

Now, a default notification sound will play when the notification is displayed.

6. Adding Vibration Notifications

To add a vibration feature to the notifications, let’s learn how to set a vibration pattern and configure it using NotificationCompat.Builder.

6.1 Adding Vibration Permission

You need to add vibration permission to the AndroidManifest.xml file. Please declare the permission in the test code as shown below.


                <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.VIBRATE" />
            

6.2 Modify MainActivity.kt


                private fun sendNotification() {
                    val vibrator = getSystemService(Context.VIBRATOR_SERVICE) as Vibrator
                    val vibratePattern = longArrayOf(0, 200, 100, 300)
                    
                    // Set vibration
                    val builder = NotificationCompat.Builder(this, channelId)
                        .setSmallIcon(R.drawable.ic_notification)
                        .setContentTitle("Sound and Vibration Notification")
                        .setContentText("This is a vibration notification.")
                        .setSound(RingtoneManager.getDefaultUri(RingtoneManager.TYPE_NOTIFICATION)) // Add sound
                        .setVibrate(vibratePattern) // Add vibration pattern
                        .setPriority(NotificationCompat.PRIORITY_DEFAULT)

                    val notificationManager = getSystemService(Context.NOTIFICATION_SERVICE) as NotificationManager
                    notificationManager.notify(notificationId, builder.build())
                    
                    // Start vibration
                    vibrator.vibrate(vibratePattern, -1)
                }
            

In this code, the vibration pattern is set, and it vibrates along with the notification.

7. Custom Notification Channels

Now let’s create a custom notification channel with various options. Each channel can have sound, vibration, and notification importance settings.

7.1 Adding a Channel


                private fun createNotificationChannel() {
                    if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.O) {
                        val channel = NotificationChannel(
                            channelId,
                            "Custom Channel",
                            NotificationManager.IMPORTANCE_HIGH
                        )
                        channel.description = "Description of Custom Channel"
                        channel.enableLights(true)
                        channel.lightColor = Color.RED
                        channel.enableVibration(true)
                        channel.vibrationPattern = longArrayOf(0, 400, 200, 400)

                        val notificationManager: NotificationManager = getSystemService(
                            Context.NOTIFICATION_SERVICE
                        ) as NotificationManager
                        notificationManager.createNotificationChannel(channel)
                    }
                }
            

The above code creates a custom channel that adds various functionalities to notifications.

8. Conclusion

In this tutorial, we learned the basic methods for implementing sound and vibration notifications in Android apps using Kotlin.
Through the notification system, users can respond in real-time to events occurring in the application.
We learned about the importance of notifications, how to implement them, and various configuration methods to enhance user experience.
Based on this tutorial, try implementing a complex notification system.

Additionally, explore and experiment with various notification features such as personalized notifications, actionable notifications, and notification grouping.
I hope you can develop excellent Android applications that utilize a variety of features in the future.