As stated earlier, here is the same application, but this code uses a reusable itemRenderer:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<mx:Application xmlns:mx=http://www.adobe.com/2006/mxml 

layout="absolute"> 

<mx:Component id="myItemRenderer"> <mx:HBox> <mx:CheckBox/> 

<mx:Label text="{data.@label}"/> 

</mx:HBox> </mx:Component> <mx:Panel  title="My List" width="100%">
	    <mx:List labelField="@label" width="100%" itemRenderer="{myItemRenderer}">
	        <mx:dataProvider>
	            <mx:XMLList xmlns="">
	            	<fruit label="Apple"/>
	            	<fruit label="Orange"/>
	            	<fruit label="Cherry"/>
	            	<fruit label="Mango"/>
	            	<fruit label="Peach"/>
	            	<fruit label="Plum"/>
	            	<fruit label="Banana"/>
	            </mx:XMLList>
	        </mx:dataProvider>
	    </mx:List>
	</mx:Panel>
</mx:Application>

Notice the declaration of the <mx:Component> tag outside of out <mx:List> tag. Now that this definition is not tied to the list control, and other data aware control can use it as an item renderer.

There you have it. A easy introduction into the List Control and Item Renderers. Enjoy.