Android wrap_content and fill_parent example

In android every Tag in Xml file contains two important attributes

1.  android:layout_width
2.  android:layout_height

This Attribute take value either wrap_content or fill_parent and this value specify the height or width of the requested View.

Lets see the Definition

1.     wrap_content: – The component just want to display big enough to enclose its content only.

2.     fill_parent :– The component want to display as big as its parent, and fill in the remaining spaces. (renamed match_parent in API Level 8) .

Lets See an Examples for better understanding

Create an android xml file that contains Button inside linear layout and change the attribute values of android:layout_width and android:layout_height for button view and see the changes.

1. View With
         android:layout_width="wrap_content"
         android:layout_height="wrap_content"

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

    <Button
        android:id="@+id/button1"
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:text="Pavan"
        android:textSize="30dp" />

</LinearLayout>

2. View With
          android:layout_width="fill_parent"
          android:layout_height="wrap_content"

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

    <Button
        android:id="@+id/button1"
        android:layout_width="fill_parent"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:text="Pavan"
        android:textSize="30dp" />

</LinearLayout>

3. View With
             android:layout_width="wrap_content"
             android:layout_height="fill_parent"

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

    <Button
        android:id="@+id/button1"
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="fill_parent"
        android:text="Pavan"
        android:textSize="30dp" />

</LinearLayout>

4. View With
             android:layout_width="fill_parent"
             android:layout_height="fill_parent"

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

    <Button
        android:id="@+id/button1"
        android:layout_width="fill_parent"
        android:layout_height="fill_parent"
        android:text="Pavan"
        android:textSize="30dp" />

</LinearLayout>