Difference between Control Template and Data Template in wpf

Question

Can someone elaborate the difference between ControlTemplate and DataTemplate in wpf?

What should one use in case of custom controls? Like for example a StackPanel which possibly has an image and a TextBox?

It seems confusing in some cases where you define a custom control using the 'Content' property.

It would be great if an example of how each can be used in different scenarios can be provided.

Answer 1

A ControlTemplate is used to change the look of an existing control. So if you don't want your buttons to look rectangular, you can define a control Template which makes them look oval or any irregular shape. It's a way to customize 'look-less' stock WPF controls ; an alternative to writing your own user-controls. More details

A DataTemplate is used to specify how an instance of a specific class (usually a Data Transfer object - an object with properties) is to be rendered visually. e.g. define a DataTemplate to visualize a Customer instance in a listbox displaying all customers. More details