TStringList vs. TList

Question

what is the difference in using a standard

type 
  sl: TStringList 

compared to using a generic TList

type 
  sl: TList

        

Answer 1

For most purposes that TStringList has been abused in the past, TObjectDictionary is better - it's faster and doesn't need sorting.

If you need a TStrings object (generally for UI stuff, since the VCL doesn't use generics much even for XE5) use TStringList - the required casting from TObject is annoying but not a showstopper.