What is the difference between combo box and list box in Visual Basic?

Answer 1

This question is more complicated than you'd think.

Essentially, a combo box is a combination of a drop-down-list (aka a list box) with a single-line text box, allowing the user either to type a value directly into the control or choose from the list of existing options. An example of this use is the address bar of graphical web browsers.

BUT: The term "combo box" is sometimes used to mean the same thing as "drop-down list," owing to the variability of terms. This usage is likely the result of Visual Basic, and later the Visual Studio suite using the term "combo box" for both types of control.

When Microsoft consolidated input text and textarea on ASP:TextBox, this was a good thing. Merging DropDownList and ComboBox was also a good thing if DropDownList was the choosen naming...

So I am with those who believe:

This usage is sometimes made more precise as "non-editable combo box" (or something similar). Nevertheless, there are those who consider this usage incorrect, and apply the term "combo box" only to controls that allow edits.

Answer 2

the exact definition of these are --a List Box is a control that contains an array of strings. The array is displayed as a scrolling list while a Combo Box is a List Box that also contains a user-editable text field. Therefore, a Combo Box is a combination of a List Box and a Text Box.

meaning a list box if fixed.. the only person who can edit the things written in it is the programmer who crated it.

the combo box is more flexible because even the user can put something in it.. ex.there are other sites who uses combo box instead of listbox bec its more useful from giving comments from visiting that site.

also the combo box allows the user either to type a value directly into the control or choose from the list of existing options. another good example for this is is the address bar of graphical web browsers--where users can edit the address. :)

Answer 3

List Box And Combo Box

Answer 4

Both a comboBox and ListBox offer the user a predefined list of text to choose from. And Both may make use of scroll bars to display lists which are longer than the limited display area provided

They differ in that a comboBox has an attached textbox always displayed at the top of the control. this textbox may be configured so as to allow the user to enter text which is not provided in the list OR as a readonly display to show the item selected from the list.


These two controls also differ in how they are typically displayed on a form.
A Combobox normally displays just the Textbox portion of its control until the user activates the control and causes the list of items to appear as a dropdown list. This saves diaplay area on the form.
A Listbox has a fixed display area, it is usually placed on a form so that several rows are displayed at once and many times so that the entire list is displays, though it may also be sized to be a single row height.


I would say that the ComboBox major difference is the ability to take user input like a textbox while offering a list of predefined choices as well.

Answer 5

A combobox is a dropdown list.

A listbox is a rectangular box where items can be listed. A listbox might allow more than one items to be selected whereas with a combobox you can select only one item.

Answer 6

LISTBOX CONTROL
COMBOX CONTROL

A LISTBOX CONTROL displays a list of items from which theuser can select one or more. If the number of items exceeds the number that can be displayed, a scroll bar is automatically added to the List Box control.
a list box is appropriate when you want to limit input to what is on the list
choices not on the list can be typed in this field.
A COMBOX CONTROL combines the features of a text box and a list box. This control allows the user to select an item either by typing text into the combo box, or by selecting it from the list.


a combo box is appropriate when there is a list of suggested choices
A combo box contains an edit field.