Version 2024r3 of Xojo has just been released. So it’s time for an update of the Android Design Extension 3.0. This version works from version 2024r3+, because in this version Xojo has revised the Declare Framework enormously and Declares now work in Android projects in the same way as in the other targets. This means that we are no longer bound to the Object Declares introduced in Android. So what are the new features of the Android Design Extensions 3.0?
From now on, Buttons and TextFields can use Xojo Pictures directly and you no longer need to save images that you want to use. Take a look at the “Deprecations Version 3.0” section in the Read me to find out which methods are deprecated in this regard.
Now it’s getting colorful!
In this version, support for over 180 system colors has been added, depending on which Android version your app is running on. The sample app has a new page with the system colors. It gives you a good overview. Using these colors can help you to design your apps according to the Material Design Guidelines in light & dark mode.
Picture objects and the content of a MobileHTMLViewer can now also be printed.
We are familiar with the DrawInto method from the Desktop Framework, which draws DesktopUIControls and DesktopWindows into a Graphics object. These methods have now also been added for MobileUIControls and MobileScreen.
The title bar and the NavigationBar can now also be highlighted in color. The font, color and alignment of the NavigationBar can also be changed.
How? What? Where?
The system paths for various folders (SpecialFolder) have also been added.
Almost all modules have been updated according to the new Declare data types. The example app has also been further optimized for dark mode in this version.
The new Declare capabilities in Xojo 2024r3 are another huge step forward. You now have the possibility to declare in almost every Android API without having to go through an Android library.
Feel free to take a look at the developer repository, create feature requests, and provide feedback on extending this extension library.
I’m happy to receive any voluntary financial support for the work I’ve done so far, which you are welcome to share here. You can download the project with many examples at https://github.com/XojoGermany/AndroidDesignExtensions.
Happy coding.
Martin T. is a Xojo MVP and has been very involved in testing Android support.