We have compiled a comprehensive list of Android interview questions below to assist you in assessing the knowledge and expertise of potential Android developers.
1.
Explain the Android activity lifecycle and describe an activity's different states.
The Android activity lifecycle encompasses several states where an activity transitions. It starts with onCreate() when the activity is created, followed by onStart() when it becomes visible. onResume() indicates active interaction, onPause() is when it loses focus but remains visible, onStop() when no longer visible, and finally, onDestroy() when the activity is being destroyed. Understanding these states is vital for managing app behavior and resources effectively.
2.
What is the Android Framework, and why is it essential for developers?
The Android Framework provides a set of essential classes and methods that streamline Android app development. It simplifies tasks like UI creation, data storage, and communication. Developers rely on it to build robust and feature-rich apps efficiently. Without the Android Framework, developers would need to implement complex functionalities from scratch, making development time-consuming and error-prone.
3.
Differentiate between AsyncTask and AsyncTaskLoader in Android, and when would you use each?
AsyncTask is suitable for short, simple background tasks like network requests, but it's tied to the activity's lifecycle, making it less robust for configuration changes. In contrast, AsyncTaskLoader provides better handling of long-running operations by decoupling them from the activity, improving resilience to configuration changes. Use AsyncTask for quick tasks and AsyncTaskLoader for complex, lengthy operations like database queries.
4.
Explain the Fragment lifecycle and discuss how to communicate between fragments.
The Fragment lifecycle includes methods such as onAttach(), onCreate(), onCreateView(), onResume(), onPause(), onStop(), and onDestroy(). These methods control the fragment's behavior during different lifecycle phases. To communicate between fragments, options include
using interface callbacks to handle communication in the parent activity,
sharing a ViewModel between fragments for data exchange or
employing event bus libraries like EventBus or LiveData to send and receive events between fragments.
5.
How to handle memory leaks in Android applications? Give an example of a situation where a memory leak can occur and how to prevent it.
Memory leaks can occur when objects are not correctly released, causing memory allocation without deallocation. For instance, referencing a Context object beyond its lifecycle can lead to leaks. To prevent this, use application context when possible, avoid retaining unnecessary references, and implement lifecycle methods like onDestroy() to release resources, unregister listeners, and nullify references. Regularly use tools like Profiler to identify memory issues and ensure efficient memory management.