LinearLayout: layout_width vs. minWidth

Question

I'm trying to have a layout in a certain width, using the layout_width property, but when inflated - the width of the layout is taken from the child, which is smaller then the layout_width I stated. Here's an example:

<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
android:id="@+id/blabla"
android:orientation="vertical"
android:layout_width="310dip"
android:layout_height="fill_parent"
>
    <TextView android:id="@+id/title"
    android:layout_width="wrap_content"
    android:layout_height="60dip"
    android:paddingTop="15dip"
    android:paddingLeft="23dip"
    android:text="udini "
    />
</LinearLayout>

This code make the entire layout be in the width of 60dip. But when adding the minWidth attribute to the layout, with the value 310dip, then the width of the layout is as expected.

Why is it like that? Is the layout_width attribute just a suggestion?

Thanks,

Udi

Answer 1

LinearLayouts are not required to honour the layout_width attribute when it's not set to wrap_content or fill_parent.

You can still use android:minWidth if that's enough for you, or other options are using the android:layout_weight attribute or increase the android:padding attribute on the child.