Autocomplete: sort items more intelligently

[Taitava]

Currently, the autocomplete menu's items are sorted alphabetically. I'd like the soring to be smarter.

E.g, if I'm typing {{filena, currently the autocomplete items' sort order is:

• {{event_file_name}}
• {{event_old_file_name}}
• {{file_name}}

But I'd like {{file_name}} to come before {{event_file_name}} and {{event_old_file_name}}, because I use it more often, and if I would have wanted to use any of the event variables, I would have typed e near the beginning: {{efilena.

The sorting algorithm

I have tried out different ideas on how to order the list, and this is what I have decided now. I guess this description is really hard to follow. I just want to write up something about it.

• If the search term is at least a couple of characters long (excluding a possible {{/{{! beginning), compare lengths. A shorter item is preferred, because the shorter the item is, the closer it matches to the search term.
  • Boost: If an item starts with the same characters as the search query starts, boost the item even if it's length is longer. For example, I ahve two custom variables in my test vault: {{_field_using_variables}} and {{_optional_field}}. If I type {{_field, I'd like {{_field_using_variables}} to become first, but if the sorting would only take length into account, {{_optional_field}} would win. I want the algorithm to pay more attention to items whose beginning matches the search term, and leave behind items who match the search term by their rear part.
• If the search term (excluding a possible {{/{{! beginning) is not at least two characters long, use alphabetical ordering. Alphabetical ordering is also used if the boost weighted lengths are equal, but that's just a nyance.

I might change it in the future

If any one of you have any feedback about the autocomplete sorting order, pleace comment freely in this discussion! You don't need to understand the current algorithm at all, just write about how the autocomplete list is currently ordered for you, and what item you'd like to see in a better position. 🌻

I'm open to improving the sorting, and I guess that this first sorting algorithm of mine won't be the last.