Searchplex ID Retrieval terminology registry

Task

Query Autocomplete

Canonical ID https://id.searchplex.net/query-autocomplete/

Predicting and ranking complete search queries from a partially typed query prefix.

Also called

  • Query Auto Completion
  • QAC

Scope

Query autocomplete is prefix-conditioned: the user has begun typing a query and the system proposes likely completions. It is distinct from query suggestion, which may recommend related or subsequent queries without being limited to completing a current prefix.

Observed terms

  • Typeahead industry
  • Search Autocomplete industry

Part of

  • Query Understanding Often implemented near query understanding and query assistance components.

Not equivalent to

  • Query Autocomplete is not Query Suggestion. Query autocomplete completes a typed prefix; query suggestion recommends related, next, or alternative queries and need not be prefix-completion.
  • Query Autocomplete is not Search-as-You-Type. Query autocomplete proposes completions for a query prefix; search-as-you-type updates actual search results while the user types.
  • Query Autocomplete is not Spelling Correction. Spelling correction corrects a submitted or completed query; query autocomplete predicts completions from a partially typed prefix.

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ID