Custom search for AutoCompleteStringCollection

Question

Is there anyway to change the search function for the AutoCompleteStringCollectionclass for the TextBox class? Right now, I have it on the default search function where the beginning letters of my suggestions match the letters of the user input? My suggestions come from a custom source.

Answer 1

You can make your own AutoComplete search - by using TextChange Here is answer: C# winforms combobox dynamic autocomplete

Code:

string[] data = new string[] {
    "Absecon","Abstracta","Abundantia","Academia","Acadiau","Acamas",
    "Ackerman","Ackley","Ackworth","Acomita","Aconcagua","Acton","Acushnet",
    "Acworth","Ada","Ada","Adair","Adairs","Adair","Adak","Adalberta","Adamkrafft",
    "Adams"

};
public Form1()
{
    InitializeComponent();
}

private void comboBox1_TextChanged(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    HandleTextChanged();
}

private void HandleTextChanged()
{
    var txt = comboBox1.Text;
    var list = from d in data
               where d.ToUpper().StartsWith(comboBox1.Text.ToUpper())
               select d;
    if (list.Count() > 0)
    {
        comboBox1.DataSource = list.ToList();
        //comboBox1.SelectedIndex = 0;
        var sText = comboBox1.Items[0].ToString();
        comboBox1.SelectionStart = txt.Length;
        comboBox1.SelectionLength = sText.Length - txt.Length;
        comboBox1.DroppedDown = true;
        return;
    }
    else
    {
        comboBox1.DroppedDown = false;
        comboBox1.SelectionStart = txt.Length;
    }
}

private void comboBox1_KeyUp(object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
{
    if (e.KeyCode == Keys.Back)
    {
        int sStart = comboBox1.SelectionStart;
        if (sStart > 0)
        {
            sStart--;
            if (sStart == 0)
            {
                comboBox1.Text = "";
            }
            else
            {
                comboBox1.Text = comboBox1.Text.Substring(0, sStart);
            }
        }
        e.Handled = true;
    }
}