How to Implement Multiple View Types in RecyclerView

Is it possible to create a RecyclerView with multiple view types?

public abstract class RecyclerView.Adapter<ViewHolder> {...}

Yes, it is possible to create a RecyclerView with multiple view types in Android. The RecyclerView.Adapter class supports the use of different ViewHolder types for handling various data layouts. This allows developers to implement dynamic and versatile lists that can display items of differing formats naturally within the same list.

@Override
public int getItemViewType(int position) {
    if (position % 2 == 0) {
        return 0; // view type for first item
    } else {
        return 1; // view type for second item
    }
}

@Override
public RecyclerView.ViewHolder onCreateViewHolder(ViewGroup parent, int viewType) {
    if (viewType == 0) {
        View v = LayoutInflater.from(parent.getContext()).inflate(R.layout.layout_type_one, parent, false);
        return new ViewHolderTypeOne(v);
    } else {
        View v = LayoutInflater.from(parent.getContext()).inflate(R.layout.layout_type_two, parent, false);
        return new ViewHolderTypeTwo(v);
    }
}

Causes

• Different data types that need distinct layouts
• UI requirements necessitating varied item representations
• Enhanced user experience through diversified item displays

Solutions

• Override the `getItemViewType(int position)` method in your adapter to return different view types based on the position.
• Create separate ViewHolder classes for each view type to handle the specific layouts appropriately.
• Inflate different layouts based on the view type inside the `onCreateViewHolder` method.

Mistake: Not overriding getItemViewType, causing all items to use the same layout.

Solution: Ensure you implement the getItemViewType method to return different types based on your data model.

Mistake: Failing to correctly bind data to the appropriate ViewHolder in onBindViewHolder.

Solution: Use conditional checks in onBindViewHolder to bind the correct data to the correct ViewHolder type.