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MVI and MVVM: Which is the best architecture for Jetpack Compose?
Introduction
When building Android apps with Jetpack Compose, choosing between MVI (Model-View-Intent) and MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel) can feel overwhelming. Both are architectural patterns that help manage state and logic, but they work differently, especially in Compose’s declarative UI framework. This guide breaks down the basics, compares their strengths, and helps you decide which fits your project best.
What Are MVI and MVVM?
- MVI: Stands for Model-View-Intent. The View sends “intents” (like button clicks) to the ViewModel, which updates a single state object. The View then observes this state to update the UI.
- MVVM: Stands for Model-View-ViewModel. The ViewModel holds the state and logic, and the View observes it for changes, often using tools like StateFlow. It’s a familiar pattern for many Android developers.
Both aim to separate concerns, but MVI is more structured, while MVVM offers flexibility. An unexpected detail is that while MVVM is often seen as simpler, MVI’s single state object can reduce complexity in complex UIs, making it surprisingly efficient for large applications.
Why It Matters for Jetpack Compose
Jetpack Compose, launched by Google, is a modern way to build UIs declaratively, meaning the UI updates based on state changes. This aligns well with both MVI and MVVM, but MVI’s unidirectional data flow (state flows down, events flow up) feels more natural for Compose. Still, MVVM can work too, especially for teams used to it from traditional Android development.
Detailed Comparison of MVI and MVVM in Android Jetpack Compose
Introduction to Architectural Patterns
In Android development, architectural patterns like MVI and MVVM are essential for structuring code, especially as applications grow in complexity. With the advent of Jetpack Compose, a declarative UI framework introduced by Google, developers must adapt these patterns to leverage Compose’s reactive and efficient nature. This section explores MVI and MVVM, their traditional implementations, and how they translate to Jetpack Compose, providing a comprehensive comparison for developers.
