The LookUpEdit cannot operate without a data source. It can be bound to data from a database, from an XML file or to any data created at runtime. The editor can be bound to any object that implements the System.Collections.IEnumerable interface or its descendant (e.g., IList, ICollection).
The lookup editors support binding to data sources in Server Mode and Instant Feedback UI Mode.
To learn more, see Binding to Data Overview.