Description: The ‘Activity Result’ in the context of mobile application development refers to the data returned to an activity or a component that has been invoked after it has completed its execution. This mechanism is fundamental in the architecture of applications, as it allows communication between different components. When one activity starts another, it may require information back, such as results from an operation or data entered by the user. To facilitate this interaction, many frameworks provide a system of ‘intents’ or similar constructs that allow data to be passed between activities. The activity result is managed through specific methods, such as ‘setResult()’ and ‘finish()’, which allow the closing activity to send data back to the calling activity. This process is essential for maintaining fluidity and coherence in the user experience, allowing applications to respond dynamically to user actions and the results of operations performed across different contexts.
History: The concept of ‘Activity Result’ was introduced with the release of Android 1.0 in 2008, as part of the platform’s component architecture. Over the years, it has evolved with the introduction of new APIs and improvements in ‘intent’ management, especially with the arrival of Android 11, which introduced a new approach to handling activity results using ‘ActivityResultContracts’.
Uses: The ‘Activity Result’ is primarily used to obtain data back from activities that have been started. This is common in situations where user action is required, such as selecting a file, taking a photo, or entering information in a form. Upon completing these actions, the activity can return the necessary results to the calling activity, allowing the application to continue its workflow coherently.
Examples: A practical example of ‘Activity Result’ is when a gallery application allows the user to select an image. The image selection activity is started, and upon completion, it returns the URI of the selected image to the original activity, which can use it to display the image or perform other operations. Another example is an activity that prompts the user to enter their name; upon completion, it returns the entered name to the calling activity.
