Activity lifecycle methods (onCreate, onStart, onResume, onPause, onStop, onDestroy) in Android Kotlin - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of the onCreate method in an Android Activity?

The onCreate method is called when the activity is first created. It is used to initialize the activity, set up the user interface, and prepare any data needed for the activity.

beginner

Which lifecycle method is called when the activity becomes visible to the user but is not yet interactive?

The onStart method is called when the activity becomes visible but is not yet in the foreground for user interaction.

intermediate

Explain the difference between onPause and onStop methods.

onPause is called when the activity is partially obscured but still visible (like a dialog on top). onStop is called when the activity is no longer visible to the user.

intermediate

When is onDestroy called in the activity lifecycle?

onDestroy is called before the activity is destroyed, either because the activity is finishing or the system is temporarily destroying it to save space.

beginner

What lifecycle method is called when the activity starts interacting with the user?

onResume is called when the activity is in the foreground and ready for the user to interact with.

Which method is called first when an activity is launched?

A onPause

B onStart

C onResume

D onCreate

The onCreate method is the first lifecycle method called when an activity is created.

What happens in the onPause method?

A Activity is no longer visible

B Activity is fully visible and interactive

C Activity is partially obscured but still visible

D Activity is destroyed

onPause is called when the activity is partially obscured but still visible.

Which lifecycle method should you use to release resources when the activity is no longer visible?

A onStop

B onStart

C onResume

D onCreate

onStop is called when the activity is no longer visible, so it is a good place to release resources.

If the user presses the back button, which lifecycle method is called before the activity is destroyed?

A onDestroy

B onStop

C onPause

D onStart

onDestroy is called before the activity is destroyed after the back button is pressed.

Which method is called when the activity returns to the foreground after being paused?

A onStart

B onResume

C onCreate

D onStop

onResume is called when the activity comes back to the foreground and is ready for user interaction.

Describe the sequence of lifecycle methods called from launching an activity to it being fully interactive.

Think about the steps from creation to user interaction.

Explain what happens in the lifecycle when the user switches to another app and then returns.

Consider what happens when the activity is hidden and then shown again.