Our support department often answers questions from customers who are wondering why grouping, sorting, and statistical functions are not updated when items in the underlying data source are changed, even though they are using a grid bound to an ObservableCollection. After all, an ObservableCollection is supposed to observe its content, isn't it? Well, actually, an ObservableCollection observes its items as a whole. In other words, it only notices when items are added or removed, not when the values of its items change, even if those items implement INotifyPropertyChanged. In comparison, a BindingList DOES listen to INotifyPropertyChanged, and therefore, if its items are modified, the changes will be reflected in the grid. As a result grouping, sorting, and statistical functions will be updated.
This nifty animation illustrates the differences between the two.
Now, if you apply these changes through the grid—in other words, edit an item in the grid—you don't have to worry about it.
