ObservableCollection or BindingList: Which Collection Should I Use for Data Binding?

Distinguishing ObservableCollection and BindingList for Effective Data Binding

When working with data binding in programming, two notable collections are ObservableCollection and BindingList. Both offer functionality for notifying changes in their data, but understanding their distinct features and use cases is crucial for optimal selection.

ObservableCollection vs. BindingList: A Closer Look

ObservableCollection

• Implements INotifyCollectionChanged interface
• Raises notifications specifically for collection changes, enabling UI updates
• Lacks additional functionalities such as sorting, searching, and item change relaying

BindingList

• Implements IBindingList interface

• Provides notifications for collection changes, as well as advanced features like:

  • Sorting and searching capabilities
  • Factory (AddNew) method for convenient item addition
  • CanEdit property to toggle read-only status
• Receives item change notifications when items implement INotifyPropertyChanged

Choosing the Right Collection

The decision between ObservableCollection and BindingList depends on the specific requirements of your application:

• If you only need basic collection change notifications for UI updates, ObservableCollection is sufficient.
• If you require additional functionalities such as sorting, searching, or factory item creation, BindingList is the better choice.

Note for Silverlight: In Silverlight, BindingList is unavailable. Instead, ObservableCollection and ICollectionView (and IPagedCollectionView) can be utilized for data binding.

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