Editing Code completion (section)

==Overview==

Intelligent code completion, which is similar to other [[autocompletion]] systems, is a convenient way to access descriptions of functions—and in particular their parameter lists. The feature speeds up software development by reducing keyboard input and the necessity for name memorization. It also allows for users to refer less frequently to external documentation, as interactive documentation on many symbols (i.e. variables and functions) in the active scope appears dynamically in the form of [[tooltip]]s.<ref>{{cite book|last=Murach|title=C# 2005|page=56}}</ref>

Intelligent code completion uses an automatically generated in-memory [[database]] of classes, variable names, and other constructs that given computer code defines or references. The "classic" implementation of IntelliSense works by detecting ''marker characters'' such as periods (or other separator characters, depending on the language). When the user types one of these characters immediately after the name of an entity having one or more accessible members (such as contained variables or functions), IntelliSense suggests matches in a pop-up dialog. The user can either accept the suggestion by typing a statement-completion character ({{keypress|Tab}} or {{keypress|Enter}}) or a language-specific marker (such as the semicolon for [[C++]]), or continue typing the name. Over time, IntelliSense determines which variable or function the user most likely needs. IntelliSense also displays a short description of a function in the pop-up window—depending on the amount of documentation in the function's [[source code]].

The feature also lets users select from a number of [[overloaded function]]s in languages that support [[object-oriented programming]]. Some code editing software provide intelligent code completion through a [[Language Server Protocol]] (LSP) server.