If we are using JetpackCompose Navigation, is ther...

# compose

[Daniele B]

If we are using JetpackCompose Navigation, is there a suggested path to support dual-pane for tablets?
In other words, if we define a master screen and a detail screen as separate NavHost composables, is there a way to tell Navigation to show them next to each other on a bigger screen in landscape?

[Bryan Herbst]

Microsoft has a great blog post with dual-screen patterns with Compose: https://devblogs.microsoft.com/surface-duo/jetpack-compose-foldable-samples/

[Daniele B]

Thanks @Bryan Herbst!
I never thought I had to browse Microsoft code in order to learn about Compose 😉

[Bryan Herbst]

Right!?

[Daniele B]

it looks like they are using the Compose Navigation only for the SingleScreenUI and not for the DualScreenUI:
https://github.com/microsoft/surface-duo-compose-samples/blob/main/ComposeSamples/[…]microsoft/device/display/samples/listdetail/ui/view/MainPage.kt
I think it would make a lot of sense that the JetpackCompose Navigation would handle the dual-pane itself, just by accepting an extra parameter to decide which composables should be shown together.
SwiftUI is dealing with dual-pane on tablets automatically.

[Ian Lake]

The docs on two pane layouts explain how they should work with Navigation (use a separate NavHost specifically for the right pane): https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/ui/layout/twopane#navigation

[Ian Lake]

That same technique applies to Compose as well once the equivalent to SlidingPaneLayout exists in Compose

[Daniele B]

Ok, I see. Are you planning to add this before version 1.0?

[Ian Lake]

You should not expect any brand new stable APIs for Compose 1.0, no

[Ian Lake]

That doesn't mean you can't write your own layout (something that is way, way easier in Compose land). I'm sure the community would be very happy if you open sourced a two pane, adaptive layout for Compose

[Daniele B]

Yes, it shouldn't be too complex, I guess

[Daniele B]

I remember the Android documentation used to call this pattern "dual-pane". Is there a specific reason why the term "two pane" is now used instead, or are they interchangeable?

[Ian Lake]

I don't remember dual-pane being used. The docs used to call this master/detail, but we've since made a conscious move away from that particular naming.

[Daniele B]

ok, I see, good to know 👍

[Ash]

Does anyone have a sample git code of pure Compose Foldable you can point me ... The MS doc is full of dead leaks and XML examples ... Thanks in advace