Question

Q:

I have the following question about an interface issue.

I have a drop down list contains a list of items . Sometimes ,the user needs to select an item not exist in this drop down list(others).I wanna the user to enter his item and added to the list. What is the best practice to do this from interface(point of view).(usability).and(How to validate the user entry).

Answer 1

If the user selects the Other option from the dropdownlist, you can provide the textbox to the user that use will be able to enter a new entry. When the user presses OK, after defining the value, you can check the value in the DB, whether this exist or not, if not existed, you can add the value to DB.

I hope, I am able to explain the idea.

Edit: Referring to your comment, it will be like..

DropDownList1.DataSource = DataSource;
DropDownList1.DataTextField = "TextField";
DropDownList1.DataValueField = "ValueField"
DropDownList1.DataBind();

// Now add the other option, it will be added in the last
DropDownList1.Items.Add("Other");