Is there a max number of options (values) in HTML drop down control?

Question

Does anyone know how many options a drop down list can have? Is it unlimited? How many before performance degrades?

Answer 1

Does anyone know how many options a drop down list can have? Is it unlimited?

I imagine it is unlimited in theory, obviously not in practice as a computer's RAM and the specific browser's limitations come into play.

How many before performance degrades?

Again, this would depend on a few factors, at the least the specific browser, the computer's memory and processing power.

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EDIT: From experience, I have had drop down lists with thousands of options. It wasn't ideal though because who wants to scroll through all of those? This is why an auto-complete of some type is more desirable for numerous reasons, especially the end user's experience.

Answer 2

I've used right around 500 in a list with no noticeable performance impact if that helps!

Answer 3

In my experience the performance degradation is generally on the side of the user, my golden rule (learned somewhere) is seven options, give or take a few.

On a more SW related basis, probably the top range of Integer.

EDIT: BTW This is kind of relevant from Atwood

Answer 4

@JasonBunting - AutoComplete is probably the way to go, most definitely. I'll have to take the time to implement it. Drop Down initially is much easier to implement in the system I'm working with.

@stjohnroe - I suppose there is an integer limit, based on the thought that the browsers are likely using standard types to determine the size of the controls. Interesting thoughts. I'd accept you if we had more than one accept capabilities, especially for the link to Atwood (he has some good advice).

Answer 5

Honestly, guys, it's a pretty straightforward question, and there's a reason for it...which is to anticpiate the unreasonable limits that frequently surface in html. If you don't know the answer, that's fine. It would sound better if you accompanied your paternal advice with a number, that way we would now you were not dodging the question. To get the real answer, I had to read the html specification, bdukes. Email me for it. These cats will have to look it up themselves.