What Is a Listbox in a Data Entry Field?

A listing box is a field in a computer data entry screen that displays some optional values and lets you select one or more of these. You find it used in combination with text containers, radio buttons and other entry form input objects, with each other called widgets. Web pages and desktop software data entry programs use list boxes to create data entry quicker and with improved reliability.

Description

The list box takes the form of a rectangle on the pc screen, usually wider than it is tall. Inside the rectangle is a summary of values from which you select by clicking with the mouse. For example, a data entry form that requests your birth year displays a list box of years which range from 1890 to 2005. If the list box contains more values than it may show, it displays a scroll bar on the aspect. By scrolling up and down in the list, the thing is more values.

Advantages

A list box saves you time of typing a value into the computer; clicking on the value is quicker than typing it. The list container also constrains the field’s data values to only individuals listed, thereby preventing the entry of typos and other types of incorrect values. For example, a list box containing two-letter state abbreviations eliminates the opportunity you will enter a "IK" when you wanted “IL. ”

Drop-Down Checklist

The list box has a common variation called the actual drop-down list. It appears similar to a regular textual content box, but it has a downward-pointing triangle on the best side. When you click on the triangle, a scrollable listing of values drops down. As with the list box, you make your selection by clicking the worthiness you want. You can also scroll up and down a listing too long to fit in the program’s window. The drop-down list is really a popular alternative to a list box as it occupies less space on the screen.

Events

As with additional screen widgets, the list box triggers optional program events for actions for example clicking on the box. When this happens, the computer executes parts of the data entry program linked to the list box. A program event can, for example, check each day of the month list box against the month, so you don't select February 30th by mistake.