The main difference between the two widgets is that mclistbox uses core Tk listbox widgets, while the body of a tablelist widget is based on a text widget. This is also the reason for some of the limitations of mclistbox: no support for right-aligned or centered columns, and no image support in the cells. While Bryan Oakley's work is an excellent one, IMHO a multi-column listbox should support individual column alignment, sorting, the ability to mix text with images, and various methods aimed to improve the appearence and readability of the items. This was why I (Csaba Nemethi) decided to write another multi-column listbox.
The following table shows the main differences between the two widgets:
Feature mclistbox tablelist ------------------------------------------------------------------- column alignment left left, right, center image support in labels in labels and cells mixing text & images no in labels and cells built-in sort command no yes arrow showing sort order no yes columns to be streched just one arbitrary listvariable no yes level for indiv. colors & font column column, row, cell level for indiv. borderwidth column none level for indiv. relief column none support for horizontal stripes no yes programmatic editing no in rows and cells selection callback built-in with the aid of Wcb activate callback no with the aid of Wcb documentation reference tutorial, reference