The Key Differences
| Feature | ListBox | CheckedListBox |
|---|---|---|
| Selection | Allows single or multiple selection of items | Supports Checkboxes for each item |
| Check Functionality | No built-in checkbox functionality | Items can be checked or unchecked independently |
| Usage | Used for displaying and selecting items | Used when multiple selections need explicit confirmation |
| Retrieving Selection | listBox1.SelectedItems retrieves selected items | checkedListBox1.CheckedItems retrieves checked items |
| On Click Behaviour | Only one click to select an option (item) | Default behaviour requires two clicks (first on focus and second on selection). But CheckedOnClick = true enables single click checking. |
| Multi-column Support | No built-in support | Supports multiple columns via MultiColumn property |
In essence, CheckedListBox is an extension of ListBox with additional checkbox functionality, making it ideal for scenarios where users need to select multiple items with clear checkmarks.
When Should you Use Each?
✔️ You should use a ListBox when your application requires straightforward item selection without the need for an explicit "checked" confirmation, such as choosing one or more items from a list.
✔️ Use CheckedListBox when you need the user to make deliberate multiple choices with a clear, permanent toggle state, such as selecting options in a settings panel, filtering items or confirming tasks in a to-do list.