Android AutoCompleteTextView shows object information instead of text in landscape mode

Android AutoCompleteTextView: Object Information in Landscape Mode

This article explores an issue with Android’s AutoCompleteTextView, where in landscape mode it displays object information instead of the expected text in the dropdown suggestions. We will delve into the problem, analyze the possible causes, and present solutions to address this behavior.

Understanding the Issue

In standard portrait orientation, AutoCompleteTextView functions as intended, offering text-based suggestions for user input. However, when rotating the device to landscape mode, the dropdown suggestions start displaying object information like “com.example.app.MyModel@1234567” instead of the desired text values. This unexpected behavior can significantly impact user experience, hindering efficient data input and interaction.

Possible Causes

1. Incorrect Data Binding

The root of the issue often lies in how data is bound to the AutoCompleteTextView. If the adapter providing suggestions directly binds objects to the dropdown instead of extracting relevant text values, the object’s internal representation will be displayed.

2. Configuration Changes

Android’s activity lifecycle is susceptible to configuration changes, especially screen orientation changes. If the adapter’s data is not properly handled during configuration changes, the dropdown may display outdated or improperly bound data.

3. Data Type Mismatch

Ensure that the data type used in the adapter matches the expected type for the AutoCompleteTextView. Inconsistencies between the data type of the suggestions and the AutoCompleteTextView‘s text input can lead to unexpected behavior.

Solutions

1. Extract Text from Data Objects

The primary solution involves modifying the adapter to extract relevant text values from the data objects. Instead of binding the entire object to the dropdown, use the toString() method or a custom getter to retrieve the desired text representation.

Example Code

// Adapter implementation
public class MyAdapter extends ArrayAdapter {
    public MyAdapter(Context context, ArrayList items) {
        super(context, 0, new ArrayList()); // Create an ArrayList of strings
        for (MyModel item : items) {
            add(item.getTextRepresentation()); // Add text representation to the list
        }
    }
}

// MyModel class
public class MyModel {
    private String name;

    // Getter for text representation
    public String getTextRepresentation() {
        return name;
    }
}

2. Manage Configuration Changes

Handle configuration changes effectively to prevent data inconsistencies. Utilize methods like onSaveInstanceState() and onRestoreInstanceState() to preserve adapter state and data during orientation changes.

Example Code

@Override
public void onSaveInstanceState(Bundle outState) {
    super.onSaveInstanceState(outState);
    // Save the adapter's data or other relevant state information
    outState.putParcelableArrayList("adapterData", adapterData);
}

@Override
public void onRestoreInstanceState(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
    super.onRestoreInstanceState(savedInstanceState);
    // Restore the adapter's data
    adapterData = savedInstanceState.getParcelableArrayList("adapterData");
    // Update the AutoCompleteTextView with the restored data
}

3. Ensure Data Type Compatibility

Verify that the data type used in the adapter matches the expected type for the AutoCompleteTextView. If there’s a mismatch, consider using a custom adapter that properly handles data conversion.

Troubleshooting

• Inspect the adapter’s implementation to ensure it properly extracts and provides text values for suggestions.
• Log data values within the adapter and AutoCompleteTextView to verify the data flow and identify potential issues.
• Use debugging tools to step through the code and examine the state of the AutoCompleteTextView and its adapter at different points during the lifecycle.

Conclusion

By understanding the root causes and implementing appropriate solutions, you can effectively address the issue of AutoCompleteTextView displaying object information instead of text in landscape mode. Following the guidelines outlined in this article, developers can ensure a smooth user experience and maintain consistent functionality across different device orientations.