Select

Filtering features are present in all variants of the select component, and it's a very useful attribute of the component when dealing with long lists of options.

As the user types, the list dynamically narrows down to display only the matching results, improving efficiency and ease of selection. The value updates when the user either types a string that matches an existing option or manually selects one from the list. If no matches are found, a "No matches found" message is displayed, providing clear feedback.

The select component can be either optional or required, depending on the context. When marked as optional, it includes a placeholder-like option that allows users to leave the field empty if no selection is needed. On the other hand, if no optional label is present, the field is considered required, meaning users must choose an option before proceeding. If a required select is left empty, an error message stating "This field cannot be empty" should appear when the component loses focus, ensuring users provide the necessary input before submitting a form.

While both the select and dropdown components present a list of options, they serve distinct purposes within an interface. The select component is primarily used in forms to collect user input, allowing either single or multiple selections from a predefined set of options. It is designed to replace traditional radio buttons or checkboxes when space efficiency is needed, especially when dealing with long lists. Additionally, the select component can include a filtering mechanism to help users find their desired option more easily.

On the other hand, the dropdown component is not meant for form inputs but rather for displaying contextual actions or navigation links. It typically triggers a menu that offers options such as commands, shortcuts, or external links, often enhancing interaction within a UI. Unlike the select, dropdowns do not retain selected values within the component itself but instead execute an action upon selection.

When deciding between the two, consider whether the component needs to collect and retain user input (select) or provide quick access to actions and links (dropdown).

Ideal for scenarios where a single, definitive choice is required, the single-selection allows users tochoose only one option from a predefined list. This variant is commonly used in forms where users need to specify categories, pick a location, select a status, or choose from mutually exclusive options like gender, payment methods, or subscription plans. It simplifies decision-making by preventing multiple selections, ensuring clarity and accuracy in user inputs.

The multiple-selection allows users to choose more than one option from a list, making it perfect for scenarios where multiple selections are necessary. This variant is commonly used in filters, permission settings, tag selection, and cases where users need to customize their choices, such as selecting multiple product categories, preferred communication channels, or applicable document types.

To enhance usability, this variant includes a "Select all" feature within the listbox, allowing users to quickly select all options at once. This functionality is especially useful in forms with long lists, where multiple selections are likely to be valid, reducing the time and effort needed to choose items individually.