Compose vs XML in 2025: Still Using It? 🛠️📱

As we step into 2025, the Android development landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace. With new tools, frameworks, and paradigms emerging, developers are often left wondering which technologies are still relevant. So, the question arises: Is XML still in use, or has Compose completely taken over? Let’s dive into the current state of these two technologies and explore whether they’re still relevant in 2025.

The Rise of Jetpack Compose 🚀

Jetpack Compose, introduced by Google in 2021, was a game-changer for Android UI development. It brought a declarative approach to building interfaces, allowing developers to create dynamic and responsive UIs with less code. By 2025, Compose has matured significantly, becoming the go-to choice for modern Android apps. Here’s why:

1. Declarative UI Paradigm 🎨
   Compose’s declarative nature aligns with modern development trends, making it easier to reason about UI state and behavior. Developers can now focus on what the UI should look like rather than how to achieve it.
2. Interoperability with Existing Codebases 🔄
   Compose was designed to work seamlessly with existing XML-based layouts. This allowed teams to gradually adopt Compose without rewriting their entire app, making the transition smoother.
3. Tooling and Ecosystem 🛠️
   By 2025, the tooling around Compose has reached a level of maturity that rivals (and in some cases surpasses) XML. Features like live previews, state debugging, and animation tools have made Compose a joy to work with.
4. Community Adoption 🌍
   The Android developer community has embraced Compose wholeheartedly. Libraries, tutorials, and best practices are now widely available, making it easier for new developers to get started.

XML: The Legacy Workhorse

Despite the rise of Compose, XML hasn’t disappeared entirely. In 2025, XML is still being used, but its role has shifted. Here’s where XML stands today:

1. Legacy Codebases 🏛️
   Many large-scale apps built before the Compose era still rely heavily on XML for their UI. Rewriting these UIs in Compose can be a massive undertaking, so XML continues to be maintained in these projects.
2. Hybrid Approaches 🧩
   Some teams have adopted a hybrid approach, using XML for static or complex layouts and Compose for dynamic or interactive components. This allows them to leverage the strengths of both technologies.
3. Learning Curve 📚
   For beginners, XML remains a simpler and more approachable way to learn Android UI development. Its visual nature and widespread documentation make it a good starting point for new developers.
4. Tooling Support 🖥️
   Android Studio still supports XML, and tools like the Layout Editor continue to be useful for quickly prototyping UIs. While Compose has its own tooling, XML’s simplicity and familiarity keep it relevant.

Compose vs XML in 2025: Which Should You Use? 🤔

The choice between Compose and XML in 2025 largely depends on your project’s requirements and your team’s expertise. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Choose Compose if:
✅ You’re starting a new project from scratch.
✅ You want to build a modern, dynamic, and responsive UI.
✅ Your team is comfortable with Kotlin and declarative programming.
✅ You want to future-proof your app.

Stick with XML if:
✅ You’re maintaining a legacy codebase.
✅ Your UI is mostly static and doesn’t require complex state management.
✅ Your team is more familiar with XML and doesn’t have the bandwidth to learn Compose.
✅ You’re working on a small project where the overhead of adopting Compose isn’t justified.

The Future of Android UI Development 🔮

Looking ahead, it’s clear that Jetpack Compose is the future of Android UI development. Google has been investing heavily in Compose, and its adoption is only expected to grow. However, XML isn’t going away anytime soon. It will continue to play a role in maintaining legacy apps and supporting hybrid development approaches.

For developers, the key is to stay adaptable. Whether you’re using Compose, XML, or a mix of both, the ability to learn and leverage the right tool for the job will always be valuable. As we move further into the decade, the lines between these technologies may blur even more, with new tools and frameworks emerging to shape the future of Android development.

Final Thoughts 💡

In 2025, the debate between Compose and XML isn’t about which one is better — it’s about which one is right for your specific use case. Compose has undoubtedly taken the lead, but XML still has its place in the Android ecosystem. As developers, our job is to stay informed, embrace change, and choose the tools that help us build the best possible experiences for our users.

So, are you still using XML in 2025? Or have you fully transitioned to Compose? Let’s discuss in the comments below! 👇

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