How to Fix 'Fatal Exception: java.lang.UnsupportedOperationException: Failed to resolve attribute' Error in Android?

What causes the 'Fatal Exception: java.lang.UnsupportedOperationException' when trying to resolve an attribute in Android?

TypedValue typedValue = new TypedValue();
getTheme().resolveAttribute(R.attr.someAttribute, typedValue, true);

The 'Fatal Exception: java.lang.UnsupportedOperationException: Failed to resolve attribute' error typically occurs in Android development when the application tries to access an attribute that has not been defined in the current theme or style. This error can lead to crashes, making it important to understand its causes and relevant solutions.

// Example of resolving an attribute
TypedValue typedValue = new TypedValue();
int[] attrs = new int[] { R.attr.someAttribute };
TypedArray ta = context.obtainStyledAttributes(attrs);
int attributeValue = ta.getResourceId(0, -1);
ta.recycle();

Causes

• The attribute being accessed is not actually defined in the styles or themes that are being used.
• For the current activity or view, the theme does not inherit the resource where the attribute is defined.
• Incorrect index access while resolving attributes.

Solutions

• Ensure that the attribute is defined in your styles.xml or themes.xml.
• Make sure to inherit the necessary parent theme which includes the desired attribute.
• Check that you are referencing the correct attribute and use the correct method to resolve it.

Mistake: Accessing an undefined attribute.

Solution: Always check your styles.xml to confirm the attribute existence.

Mistake: Forgetting to recycle TypedArray objects leading to memory leaks.

Solution: Always call ta.recycle() after using a TypedArray.