Android: Will finish() ALWAYS call onDestroy()?

java android ondestroy activity-finish
Xander picture Xander · Nov 10, 2013 · Viewed 31.3k times · Source

Simple question: can you be sure that finish() will call onDestroy()? I haven't found any confirmation on this.

Answer

CommonsWare picture CommonsWare · Nov 10, 2013

Simple question: can you be sure that finish() will call onDestroy()?

First, this answer assumes that you are referring to Android's Activity class and its finish() method and onDestroy() lifecycle method.

Second, it depends upon your definition of "sure":

  • Your process could be terminated in between finish() and onDestroy(), for reasons independent of whatever is triggering the call to finish()

  • A device manufacturer or ROM modder could introduce some screwy change that would break the connection between finish() and onDestroy()

  • The battery could go dead in between finish() and onDestroy()

  • Etc.

Third, finish() does not call onDestroy(). You can tell that by reading the source code. finish() usually triggers a call to onDestroy().

Generally speaking, finish() will eventually result in onDestroy() being called.

Related questions

How to call a method when an Android app is closed or loses focus?

Because an app I'm building will handle rather sensitive data I want to sync the SQLite db with the server every time the user logs in, and remove emty the db every time the app loses focus (because the user …

Read More
Android: OnDestroy isn't called when I close the app from the recent apps button

When we press this button We see the apps which we didn't close, like this But when we want to close an app from this screen (below image), the method onDestroy() isn't called, however the app is closed. I need …

Read More
Can't start Eclipse - Java was started but returned exit code=13

I am trying to get my first taste of Android development using Eclipse. I ran into this problem when trying to run Eclipse, having installed version 4.2 only minutes ago. After first trying to start Eclipse without any parameters to specify …

Read More