In Oracle Visual Builder Cloud Service (VBCS), both Select (Single) and Combo Box components allow users to choose a single item from a list. However, they differ in terms of features, usability, and flexibility.
Here’s a detailed comparison:
Feature | Select (Single) | Combo Box |
User Selection | Only allows selection from the pre-defined list | Allows selection from the list or entering a new custom value |
Custom Input | Not allowed | Allowed (can type a custom value not in the list) |
UI Appearance | Appears as a dropdown | Appears as a dropdown with a text input field |
Use Case | Ideal when the input must match a fixed list of values | Ideal when users may want to select or enter a new value |
Data Binding | Typically bound to a fixed set of values (static or from a REST service) | Same, but can also accept dynamic new entries |
Validation | Enforces selection from the list | May need additional validation if free-text entries are not allowed |
Autocomplete | No | Yes – users can type to filter the list |
Performance Consideration | Lightweight | Slightly more overhead due to additional logic (autocomplete, free text) |
When to Use Each
Use Select (Single) when:
- Users must choose from a fixed list of valid options.
- Input must match exactly one of the values (e.g. country, status).
Use Combo Box when:
- You want to allow flexible input (e.g. tagging or entering custom categories).
- Users may enter a value not already in the list
Summary
-
Select (Single) = strict, fixed list selection only.
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Combo Box = flexible, can select or type custom values.
