Why is it possible to write a boolean array to a parcel but not a boolean?

Question

In the documentation for the Parcel it states a method exists

public final void writeBooleanArray (boolean[] val)

But there is no method for writeBoolean(boolean val)

There also exists:

public final void writeLong (long val)

public final void writeLongArray (long[] val)

So a similar pattern is available for other primitive types.

Can some one explain why this is?

Very good question. I am also very interested in this result. — prolink007, Nov 17 '11 at 17:41
I ask this every time reading a boolean becomes 3 lines instead of 1. =( — clocksmith, Mar 09 '14 at 01:15

score 10 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 17 '11 at 17:39

10

There is an open bug report on it:

Evidently others agree with your assessment (and I do too).

answered Nov 17 '11 at 17:39

You think the fact this has been an open issue for nearly 2 years is a reflection on a certain shortcoming google has in addressing android bugs as it seems so fundamental and simple, or do you think there may be some hidden architectural problem – rogermushroom Nov 17 '11 at 17:49
5

At the very least they could add a facade that implements the writeInt(myBool ? 1 : 0) and back workaround... That alone tells me there is no architectural obstacle. – Jonathan Schneider Nov 17 '11 at 17:51
In the spirit of open source, I strongly suggest you submit a patch :) http://source.android.com/source/index.html – Jonathan Schneider Nov 17 '11 at 17:53

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Nov 17 '11 at 17:43

1

No reason at all, seems just a miss to me. :-) Write a boolean[1] if you need.

answered Nov 17 '11 at 17:43

davidcesarino

2 Answers2