please explain it.
What Difference between TextBoxFor() and EditorFor() in MVC ?
Ask by Anonymous User
Updated 18 Jun 2023
Sure, I can help you with that.
TextBoxFor() and EditorFor() are both HTML helper methods that can be used to render input controls in MVC views. However, there are some key differences between the two methods.
TextBoxFor() will always render a <input> element, regardless of the type of property that is being bound. For example, if you bind a string property to a TextBoxFor() helper, it will render a <input type="text" /> element.
EditorFor() will render the appropriate HTML element for the type of property that is being bound. For example, if you bind a string property to an EditorFor() helper, it will render a <input type="text" /> element. However, if you bind a DateTime property to an EditorFor() helper, it will render a <input type="date" /> element.
In addition, EditorFor() supports data annotation attributes. This means that you can use data annotation attributes to specify the validation rules for the property that is being bound.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between TextBoxFor() and EditorFor():
Which method should you use?
The best method to use depends on your specific needs. If you need to render a simple input control, then TextBoxFor() is a good option. However, if you need to render a more complex input control, or if you need to support data annotation attributes, then EditorFor() is a better option.
TextBoxFor() vs EditorFor()
These two are strongly-typed HTML helper methods and uses lambda expressions when referencing models passed to a view template.
In MVC By default, the Create and Edit scaffolds now use the Html.EditorFor helper instead of the Html.TextBoxFor helper. It improves support for metadata on the model in the form of data annotation attributes when the Add View dialog box generates a view.
TextBoxFor: Here, It will render like a text input HTML element compatible with specified expression. Into the simple word, it will always render like an input textbox irrespective datatype of the property which is getting bind with the control.
EditorFor: Its controls are bit smart. Its render HTML markup based on the datatype of the property. Supposing there is a boolean property in the model. In rendering this property in the view as a checkbox either we can use CheckBoxFor or EditorFor. Both will generate the same markup.
What is the advantage of using EditorFor?
As we know, this creates HTML markup based on properties. Then suppose tomorrow if we change the datatype of property in the model, no need to change anything in the view. EditorFor control will change the HTML markup automatically.
In TextBoxFor renders a text box for a particular field of the model in the view irrespective of the type of field. It considers the field as string type(By default).
EditorFor renders different HTML form controls based on the type of field of the model. For example, if the field type is
string - renders textbox,
boolean - renders the checkbox
datetime - renders input type="datetime" textbox
int - renders intput type="number" textbox