autocomplete

autocomplete definition - computer

A feature in many applications that offers to complete a word or address that is only partially typed in. In word processors, the function often completes common words such as months of the year, while e-mail applications use their name/address books to match up the text as it is being entered. Autocomplete is especially helpful with Web browsers, eliminating the typing of long Web addresses (URLs) that have been previously entered.

Autocomplete differs from autofill. Autocomplete works after a few letters have been typed in, whereas autofill detects field types on a form and fills them in (see autofill).


_AUTOCMP.GIF


Completing the Name

In this e-mail program, typing the letter "t" in the "To" field immediately displays a list of "t" names from the address book. If the desired name is not the first one, the user can select from the list or continue typing another e-mail address.






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