Jetpack Compose: How to Build a Messaging App

Learn how to create a UI without any XML files

Image source: Author

Introduction

“Jetpack Compose is a modern toolkit for building native Android UI. Jetpack Compose simplifies and accelerates UI development on Android with less code, powerful tools, and intuitive Kotlin APIs”. — Android Developers

There have been interesting developments since we discussed Jetpack Compose last time. Compose 0.1.0-dev010 and Compose UI 0.1.0-dev10 were released on April 29. As they’re still in development phase, it will be difficult to understand the errors, so make sure you’re using the latest versions for a smooth experience.

In my past two articles about Compose, I mostly focused on basics and how Compose is evolving. In this article, we’re going to build a messaging app using Kotlin and Compose through which we will learn how to use components like adapterview, image, Modifiers, and more.

Moving forward, I assume you’re familiar with the basics of Jetpack Compose. If not, refer to this article.

What Are We Trying to Build?

As Android users and developers, we’re very familiar with the native messages app. In this article, we’re going to explore how to build the chats list screen and…