Component System

ComposeFlow’s Component System allows you to create reusable UI elements that can be used across multiple screens and projects. This powerful feature helps you maintain consistency, reduce development time, and create scalable applications.

Key Features

Reusable

Create once, use everywhere. Components can be used across multiple screens and projects without rebuilding the same UI patterns.

Self-Contained

Components include their own layout, styling, and behavior. Everything needed for the component to function is encapsulated within it.

Customizable

Components accept parameters to vary their appearance and behavior, making them flexible for different use cases.

Example Use Case: PostCard Component

Consider a PostCard component for a social media app that displays user posts:

Initial Creation:

• Create a PostCard component in a LazyColumn for the main feed
• Include user avatar, name, post content, like button, and comment count
• Make it customizable with parameters for user data and post content

Before creating a component

Before creating a component, each Composables within the post card item is considered as single Composable for each

After creating a component, the item in the main feed screen is treated as a single component

Reusable Across Screens:

• Main Feed: Display all posts in a scrollable list
• Search Results: Show matching posts when users search
• User Profile: Display posts from a specific user
• Saved Posts: Show bookmarked posts

Component library

After the creation, the list of components are visible in the component tab and can be used in other places

Benefits:

• Consistency: All post displays look and behave the same
• Efficiency: No need to recreate the post layout for each screen
• Maintenance: Updates to PostCard automatically apply everywhere it’s used

Creating Components

From Existing UI Elements

1. Design Your UI Pattern: Create the desired layout (e.g., PostCard with avatar, text, buttons)
2. Select Elements: Choose all elements that should be part of the component
3. Convert to Component: Right-click and select “Create Component”
4. Configure Parameters: Define which properties should be customizable (user name, post text, etc.)
5. Save: The component is now available in your component palette

Using Components

1. Access Component Library: Find your custom components in the left component palette
2. Drag and Drop: Place the component on any screen
3. Customize Instance: Set parameter values specific to each usage
4. Bind Data: Connect component parameters to app state or data sources

Best Practices

• Single Purpose: Each component should have a clear, focused responsibility
• Consistent Naming: Use descriptive names that make the component’s purpose obvious
• Parameter Design: Make components flexible with well-designed parameters
• Test Reusability: Verify components work well in different contexts before finalizing

The Component System enables you to build consistent, maintainable UIs by creating reusable building blocks that can be used throughout your application.