What is difference between onCreate() and onStart() on Android?

This example demonstrates the difference between onCreate() and onStart() in Android.

Note −

• onCreate() is called when the when the activity is first created.
• onStart() is called when the activity is becoming visible to the user.

Step 1 − Create a new project in Android Studio, go to File ⇒ New Project and fill all required details to create a new project.

Step 2 − Add the following code to res/layout/activity_main.xml.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
   xmlns:tools="http://schemas.android.com/tools"
   android:layout_width="match_parent"
   android:layout_height="match_parent"
   tools:context=".MainActivity">
   <TextView
      android:layout_width="match_parent"
      android:layout_height="wrap_content"
      android:text="Have a very nice day!"
      android:textSize="35dp"
      android:textStyle="bold"
      android:textColor="@color/colorAccent"
      android:layout_centerInParent="true"
      android:padding="20sp"
      android:layout_gravity="center_vertical" />
</LinearLayout>

Step 3 − Add the following code to src/MainActivity.java

import android.support.v7.app.AppCompatActivity;
import android.os.Bundle;
import android.util.Log;
public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity {
   public static final String TAG = "Have a nice day!";
   @Override
   protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
      super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
      setContentView(R.layout.activity_main);
      Log.i(TAG,"onCreate");
   }
   protected void onStart(){
      super.onStart();
      Log.i(TAG,"onStart");
   }
}

Step 4 − Add the following code to androidManifest.xml

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android" package="app.com.sample">
   <application
      android:allowBackup="true"
      android:icon="@mipmap/ic_launcher"
      android:label="@string/app_name"
      android:roundIcon="@mipmap/ic_launcher_round"
      android:supportsRtl="true"
      android:theme="@style/AppTheme">
      <activity android:name=".MainActivity">
         <intent-filter>
            <action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
            <category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
         </intent-filter>
      </activity>
   </application>
</manifest>

Let's try to run your application. I assume you have connected your actual Android Mobile device with your computer. To run the app from android studio, open one of your project's activity files and click Run  icon from the toolbar. Select your mobile device as an option and then check your mobile device which will display your default screen −

Click here to download the project code.