In the context of ViewModels, what does 'survive configuration changes' mean?

In the context of ViewModels, the phrase 'survive configuration changes' specifically refers to the ability of the ViewModel to retain its data even when there are changes to the configuration, such as screen rotations or changes in device settings.

When a configuration change occurs, the existing Activity is destroyed and a new one is created in its place. This process usually results in the loss of any data stored in the Activity. However, ViewModels are specifically designed to hold this data and maintain it across these configuration changes, thus allowing the UI to access the same instance of the data without the need to reload it.

The unique lifecycle of a ViewModel means it is tied to the lifecycle of the UI component it is associated with, allowing it to persist data through configuration changes. This characteristic is particularly valuable in ensuring a seamless user experience and efficient resource utilization within the application.