when to use Collection vs List [duplicate]

• Collection<T>:
  

  Provides the base class for a generic
  collection.

• List<T>:
  

  Represents a strongly typed list of
  objects that can be accessed by index.
  Provides methods to search, sort, and
  manipulate lists.

So, according the docs, one is intended as a base class for collections. The other is intended for use as a container.

So use List<T> and inherit from Collection<T>.