Which block type is usually used for a content block on Magento pages?

Question

I am preparing for Magento certification exam. There's question on most of study materials that Which block type is usually used for a content block on Magento pages?

Confusion occurs when some sites say answer is Mage_Core_Block_Text_List and some say its Mage_Core_Block_Template

I think answer should be Mage_Core_Block_Template as it uses template file which outputs content from template file whereas Mage_Core_Block_Text_List just outputs childs block one by one making it structural block.

Which is the correct answer and why?

Answer 1

There is a significant difference between the two of them. While creating a custom block, it will extend Mage_Core_Block_Template almost every time. Mage_Core_Block_Text_List is a wrapper in which you can add your own blocks via your layout.xml. These core/text_list blocks don't have a template. An example of this block is the left or right column of your page (2columns-left.phtml).

So, the block that is used for a content block is Mage_Core_Block_Template, since Mage_Core_Block_Text_List doesn't have content itself.

Good luck with your exam!