Are you looking to streamline user input in your Android application? The Vertical Stepper Form Library is just what you need! This library provides a customizable vertical stepper form that enhances user experience with structured data entry.

Getting Started with the Vertical Stepper Form Library

1. Referencing the Library

To start using the Vertical Stepper Form, you need to include it in your project. This can be achieved via Maven Central. Open your `build.gradle` file and add the following dependency:

dependencies {
    implementation 'com.ernestoyaquello.stepperform:vertical-stepper-form:2.7.0'
}

Ensure that your project is using AndroidX libraries for proper functionality.

2. Adding the Form to Your Layout

You need to incorporate the VerticalStepperFormView into your layout XML file. Ideally, this file should be exclusively dedicated to the stepper form.

<ernestoyaquello.com.verticalstepperform.VerticalStepperFormView
    xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    xmlns:app="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res-auto"
    android:id="@+id/stepper_form"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    app:form_circle_background_color="@color/colorPrimary"
    app:form_next_button_background_color="@color/colorPrimary"
    app:form_next_button_pressed_background_color="@color/colorPrimaryDark"
/>

In the example above, basic properties are set for background colors, but there are many customization options available to enhance your form’s appearance.

3. Defining Your Steps

Each segment of your form is treated as a step and must be defined as a unique class extending StepT where T is the data type (e.g., String for names). Let’s consider an analogy:

Imagine your form is a train with different compartments (steps). Each compartment has a specific function. The UserNameStep class acts like the sleeper compartment where passengers (users) provide their names.

public class UserNameStep extends Step<String> {
    private EditText userNameView;

    public UserNameStep(String stepTitle) {
        super(stepTitle);
    }

    @Override
    protected View createStepContentLayout() {
        userNameView = new EditText(getContext());
        userNameView.setHint("Your Name");
        userNameView.addTextChangedListener(new TextWatcher() {
            @Override
            public void onTextChanged(CharSequence s, int start, int before, int count) {
                markAsCompletedOrUncompleted(userNameView.getText().length() > 3);
            }
        });
        return userNameView;
    }

    @Override
    public String getStepData() {
        return userNameView.getText().toString();
    }

    // Other methods omitted for brevity
}

This class not only captures the user’s input but validates it before moving on to the next step, ensuring that names have more than three characters.

4. Setting Up the Form

After defining your steps, you can set up the form in your activity. This involves referencing the form view and initializing it. Here’s how:

public class CreateUserAccountActivity extends Activity implements StepperFormListener {
    private VerticalStepperFormView verticalStepperForm;
    private UserNameStep userNameStep;

    @Override
    protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        setContentView(R.layout.new_user_form_activity);
        
        userNameStep = new UserNameStep("User Name");
        verticalStepperForm = findViewById(R.id.stepper_form);
        verticalStepperForm.setup(this, userNameStep).init();
    }

    @Override
    public void onCompletedForm() {
        // Handle form completion
    }

    @Override
    public void onCancelledForm() {
        // Handle form cancellation
    }
}

In this section, we’re setting up the Vertical Stepper Form and providing it with the defined steps while preparing it for user interaction.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions

• Issue: Can’t see the form on your screen.
• Solution: Ensure that the XML layout file references are correct, and that you have added the necessary dependency.
• Issue: Validation issues with your steps.
• Solution: Double-check the logic in your isStepDataValid() method to ensure data is being validated correctly.

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Conclusion

Integrating a vertical stepper form into your application not only enhances user experience but also streamlines complex data entry processes. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily set up and customize your form to meet user needs.

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.