What is the difference between src and background of ImageView

Question

I am a puzzled about using src or background for an ImageView.

I know the former means the content of this ImageView and the latter means the background of the ImageView.

But how to decide which one to use? I don't see the difference.

Answer 1

All views can take a background image.

The src to an ImageView has additional features:

• different scaling types
• adjustViewBounds for setting bounds to match image dimensions
• some transformations such as alpha-setting

And more that you may find in the docs.

Answer 2

1. when you use android:background, image will be set to fit on ImageView area(i.e according to width and height of ImageView). It doesn't matter if the image is smaller or larger than ImageView.

2. when you use android:src, then image will display in its original size. No automatic scaling, adjustments will happen. Note: Using android:src, we can get additional benefit of adjustViewBounds property