Android inputType=”numberDecimal” brings up keyboard

In Android, when you set the inputType of an EditText field to "numberDecimal", it tells the system that the input should accept decimal numbers. This will trigger a numeric keypad, and on devices with software keyboards, it will display a keypad that includes digits and a decimal point.

Example:

<EditText
    android:id="@+id/decimalInput"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="wrap_content"
    android:inputType="numberDecimal"
    android:hint="Enter a decimal number" />

How It Works:

• The inputType="numberDecimal" ensures that the keyboard displayed will include number keys (0-9) and a decimal point.
• On smartphones and tablets, the soft keyboard will automatically display a numeric keypad with a decimal point.

When to Use:

• This is particularly useful when you want to allow the user to input decimal numbers (e.g., entering prices, weights, or percentages).
• It ensures the input is more user-friendly and restricts entry to valid numeric input, including the decimal point.

Additional Options:

If you need more specific control over the input, you can combine multiple inputType attributes. For example:

• inputType="numberSigned": Allows both positive and negative numbers.
• inputType="numberDecimal|numberSigned": Allows decimal and signed numbers (both positive and negative).

Example for signed decimal numbers:

<EditText
    android:id="@+id/signedDecimalInput"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="wrap_content"
    android:inputType="numberDecimal|numberSigned"
    android:hint="Enter signed decimal number" />

This ensures that the numeric keypad includes the sign (plus or minus) as well as a decimal point.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Validation: You might need to validate the input on the backend to ensure it’s a valid number if you’re expecting specific formats (like decimal precision).
• Keyboard Behavior: On some devices or custom keyboards, behavior may slightly vary, so testing on different devices is important to ensure a consistent user experience.

With this setting, users will be presented with a keypad suited for decimal input, improving usability for numerical data entry.