An editable combobox is a user interface control that combines a standard text input field with a dropdown list of predefined options. It provides users with the flexibility to either type a value directly into the text field or select an option from the associated list.
This control is particularly useful when you want to provide users with suggestions or a constrained list of choices, while still allowing them to enter a value that might not be in the list.
Key Characteristics
- Editable Input Field: The primary feature is the text box where users can type. This allows for entering values that may not be present in the dropdown list.
- Dropdown List: An associated list of options that appears when the user interacts with the control (e.g., clicks a button or types).
- Suggestions: The dropdown list often displays suggestions based on the user's input as they type, helping them find options quickly.
- Selection Capability: Users can select an option from the dropdown list, which then populates the text input field.
Specific Implementations (Based on Reference)
The concept of an editable combobox can be specialized to handle different types of data or provide enhanced user experiences. The provided references highlight two such examples:
Editable Combobox with Grid Popup
This is an editable combobox that presents suggestions in a grid, enabling users to navigate descriptive information about each suggestion. Instead of a simple list, the dropdown area is formatted as a grid. This format is ideal for presenting more detailed information associated with each option (like multiple columns of data) and allows for navigation within that structured information.
Date Picker Combobox
An editable date input combobox that opens a dialog containing a calendar grid and buttons for navigating by month and year. This type is specifically designed for date selection. While the input field allows manual date entry, the associated dialog provides a visual calendar interface for easy browsing and picking dates, ensuring the input format is correct.
Why Use an Editable ComboBox?
Editable comboboxes offer several advantages:
- Flexibility: Users aren't strictly limited to predefined options.
- Efficiency: Typing allows quick entry for known values.
- Guidance: The dropdown list provides suggestions and helps users discover available options.
- Data Integrity (with validation): While editable, the system can validate user input against the list or other criteria.
Examples of Use
- Selecting a Country: Users can type "United States" or select it from a dropdown list. They could also type a new country name if it's not listed.
- Entering a Product Code: Users might type a known code or browse a list of codes with descriptions presented perhaps in a grid format.
- Picking a Date: Users can type "12/25/2024" or use a calendar popup to select December 25th, 2024.
In essence, an editable combobox balances the freedom of text input with the guided structure of a dropdown list, adapting its popup presentation (like a simple list, a grid, or a calendar) based on the data type and complexity.
