ListView vs RecyclerView in Android

ListViews:

• The user keeps scrolling which adds Views and hence more memory is consumed.

RecyclerViews:

• Views are recycled when a user scrolls resulting in a performance boost.

When to Choose ListView?

Choose ListView when:

• You have a simple list with minimal customization requirements.
• You are working with a limited dataset and performance is not a significant concern.
• You are short on development time and need to implement a list quickly.

When to Choose RecyclerView?

Choose RecyclerView when:

• You need to display large datasets efficiently.
• Your list requires complex item layouts or multiple view types.
• You want to add smooth animations and custom transitions to your list.
• You are looking for a more future-proof solution, as RecyclerView is actively maintained and improved by Google.

Conclusion

Both ListView and RecyclerView have their merits, and the decision between the two ultimately depends on your app’s specific requirements. For simple lists with straightforward layouts, ListView might be sufficient. However, as your app’s complexity and data size grow, RecyclerView becomes the preferred choice due to its efficiency, flexibility, and animation support. With its advanced ViewHolder pattern and customizable LayoutManager, RecyclerView empowers developers to create dynamic and efficient lists, making it the go-to component for modern Android app development.