This standard Android resource, found within the framework’s layout library, provides a pre-defined arrangement for displaying two lines of text within a list item. It is commonly employed with an `ArrayAdapter` or a similar adapter to populate a `ListView` or `RecyclerView`. The first line utilizes the `android.R.id.text1` TextView identifier for the primary text, and the second line uses `android.R.id.text2` for supplementary information. For example, it can effectively present a list of contacts with names on the top line and phone numbers on the bottom line.
Its utility lies in its simplicity and efficiency. It offers a quick and standardized method for generating basic list-based user interfaces, minimizing the need for custom layout creation. Historically, this layout has served as a foundational element in Android development, providing a readily available solution for developers to quickly prototype and implement list-based views, thus saving considerable development time. While more complex list designs often require customized layouts, this resource remains valuable for scenarios prioritizing speed and straightforwardness.