What is the purpose of the “tools” attribute in Android?
In Android, the tools attribute is a set of properties used in layout files to provide developers with assistance during design time. These properties are processed by the tools parser during layout rendering, but are not compiled into the application at runtime.
The main functions include:
- Provide default values: the tools attribute can be used to offer default values for controls, making it easier to see the effects during design.
- Display sample data: You can use the tools attribute to show sample data in RecyclerView, ListView, etc., making it easier to see the layout effect during design.
- Hide view: You can use the tools:visibility attribute to hide a view during design time and show it during runtime.
- Layout debugging can be carried out by using the tools attribute, such as setting margins, background colors, etc.
In general, the tools attribute can help developers conveniently preview layout effects and debug layouts during design.