Editing multiple feature classes contained in feature dataset using ArcMap?

Question

I have two feature classes contained inside a file geodatabase feature dataset. One is point and one is polygon. When I turn on editing mode for one of them, the other is editable as well.

Assuming that is the correct behavior by ArcMap, is that one of the advantages of using a feature dataset?

• FelixIP: Nasty surprises possible. To prevent it, I use 'make this only selectable layer' option.
• PolyGeo: @FelixIP I think that even with that set, you need to take care with what is turned on for display because a polygon might be selected in only one layer but can clip through others that are also visible,

Answer 1

I would not class this as an advantage of using a feature dataset over other types of workspace.

When you Start Editing in ArcMap what becomes available for you to edit is everything in a single workspace. A workspace may be a folder (of shapefiles), a geodatabase or a feature dataset within a geodatabase.

This is documented in About edit sessions where it says:

When you want to edit, you need to start an edit session, which you end when you're done. Editing applies to a single workspace in a single ArcMap data frame, where a workspace is a geodatabase or a folder of shapefiles.

• doronwen: Thank you PolyGeo. Just to clarify: with my experience with shapefiles, you can only edit one at a time (meaning, you need to stop edits on one shapefile to edit the other). But you're saying that if I start an edit session of a feature class contained inside a geodatabase I will be able to edit all the feature classes inside that GDB without stopping my edit. Is that correct? Is that true for shapefiles contained inside a folder?
• PolyGeo: Please test using a folder of shapefiles again. I think you will find that they are all editable without stopping and re-starting editing.