Should I add the feature layer or its sublayer to the web map?

[Bud]

I have an AGOL feature layer that contains a single layer/sublayer.

The feature layer docs say:

You can add sublayers individually to a map if you do not need every layer in the feature layer item.

Is it best practice to add the sublayer to the map if there is only one sublayer? Or should I add the feature layer to the map?

Related: Is the term 'feature layer' different in ArcGIS Pro vs AGOL?

[RussellBrennan · Accepted solution]

Hi @Bud, 

I don't think there is a 'best practice' per se. When you add the Feature Layer to the web map it will create a group layer if there is more than one sub layer. This can be useful if you have a lot of sub layers and you want to maintain organization but generally should not be functionally different from adding the sub layers. There may be some older clients that do not recognize group layers in which case but I think those are becoming less common. I will reply to your other thread about the terminology as well. Hope this helps.