Jetpack Compose Migration: Is Now the Right Time?
Shift to Jetpack Compose from XML, suggesting a gradual, simple transition.
Hello, and welcome to this article. For Android projects, many developers, including myself, use XML layouts to construct user interfaces. Since many older apps use XML codebases exclusively, it’s not surprising that they run smoothly with no problems. Many teams are starting to consider switching to Jetpack Compose as it becomes more popular and powerful. The real question is, should you even migrate, and if so, how do you go about it?
Let’s look at a scenario. Imagine you’re working on an app that was built a few years ago. Its interface is entirely written in XML, and it’s been serving your users well. But now you need to add a new feature, and the team is wondering if it would be better to use Compose for this instead of sticking with XML. Compose is modern, makes UI building faster, and is easier to read and maintain compared to XML. At the same time, rewriting everything in Compose might seem overwhelming and unnecessary when the app already works fine.
If you are in a situation like this, I would suggest focusing more on the future than on redoing the past. For example, when building the new feature, you can use Compose for just that part. Compose and XML are interoperable, which means you can mix both in the same app. Your new feature can take advantage of Compose while the rest of the app remains in XML. Over time, as you update older parts of the app, you can slowly migrate those pieces to Compose as well. This way, you modernize your app step by step without spending months or years rewriting everything at once.
This gradual approach works well for many reasons. First, it saves time and resources. You’re not rewriting code that doesn’t need to change; you’re simply improving it when the need arises. For example, say you need to redesign the settings screen of your app. Instead of tweaking the XML layout, you could rebuild the screen in Compose. Now, the settings screen is easier to maintain, and you’ve moved one step closer to having a modernized app.
Let me give you another example. If you’re building a new app from scratch, the choice is much simpler. Compose is designed to be the future of Android UI development. It’s declarative, which means you describe what the UI should look like, and Compose takes care of the rest. There’s no need to deal with XML files and view binding. For instance, creating a button in Compose takes just a few lines of code, and it’s easier to customize and integrate with other UI elements.
That said, the decision to migrate isn’t just about the technology itself. It’s also about what works best for your team and your users. If your app’s current XML-based UI is delivering value to your users, there’s no immediate rush to change everything. The goal should always be to keep your users happy by focusing on the features and functionality they care about. Whether you achieve that with XML or Compose doesn’t matter as much as delivering a great experience.
From my experience, developers who start using Compose find it more enjoyable and productive. It’s like switching from using a typewriter to a computer — it feels simpler and more efficient. But just like with any new tool, there’s a learning curve, and it’s important to make the transition at a pace that works for your team.
Ultimately, the key is balance. When updating older parts of your app, take the opportunity to use Compose. When building new features or starting a new project, consider Compose as your first choice. Over time, you’ll find your codebase naturally evolving into something more modern and maintainable.
So, whether you’re sticking with XML, exploring Compose, or somewhere in between, the focus should always be on delivering a product that solves your users’ problems. That’s what really matters. It’s all about sharing and learning from each other in this Android development journey, so spill the beans in the comments!
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I am Shirsh Shukla, a creative Developer, and a Technology lover. You can find me on LinkedIn or maybe follow me on Twitter or just walk over my portfolio for more details. And of course, you can follow me on GitHub as well.
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