How to Wrap Elements in a Horizontal LinearLayout in Android?

How do I wrap elements in a horizontal LinearLayout in Android layout design?

<LinearLayout
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="wrap_content"
    android:orientation="horizontal"
    android:weightSum="1">
    <TextView
        android:layout_width="0dp"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:layout_weight="1"
        android:text="Element 1" />
    <TextView
        android:layout_width="0dp"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:layout_weight="1"
        android:text="Element 2" />
</LinearLayout>

When designing Android applications, a Horizontal LinearLayout is utilized to arrange child views side by side. To ensure that elements wrap correctly within the layout, there are specific attributes and practices to follow, particularly when dealing with variable screen sizes.

<LinearLayout
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="wrap_content"
    android:orientation="horizontal">
    <TextView
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:text="Element 1" />
    <TextView
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:text="Element 2" />
</LinearLayout>

Causes

• Using hardcoded width instead of flexible dimensions
• Incorrect handling of the orientation and weight properties
• Lack of alignment properties that can control element positioning

Solutions

• Set the layout_width of child elements to '0dp' and use layout_weight to distribute available space
• Use 'match_parent' for parent LinearLayout height to ensure wrapping works correctly
• Consider using a FlexboxLayout for more complicated arrangements, which allows items to wrap more naturally

Mistake: Setting fixed widths for child elements, causing overflow.

Solution: Use '0dp' for layout_width of child elements along with layout_weight.

Mistake: Not considering the orientation of the LinearLayout.

Solution: Ensure the LinearLayout orientation is set to 'horizontal'.

Mistake: Ignoring padding and margin between elements.

Solution: Add padding and margin attributes to child views for proper spacing.