Autocomplete
Autocomplete is a feature that suggests or completes what someone is typing based on the first few characters, saved data or predictions
What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.
What it is and how it works
It appears in search engines, which suggest queries as you type; in forms, which fill in name, address or card details stored in the browser; and in mobile keyboards, code editors and spreadsheets. In HTML, the autocomplete attribute tells the browser what kind of data each field expects.
Done well, it reduces effort and errors, especially on mobile and for people with motor impairments. Suggestions should not replace what has been typed without the person confirming. In search engines, predictions also reflect search interest, so they are used as a source of keyword ideas.
Also known as
Autofill, Autocompletion, Type-ahead
