mathworks / mathworks/MATLAB-extension-for-vscode

Built‑in functions or clearly predictable items should automatically provide a drop‑down list prompt

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enhancement
Dominant language
TypeScript
Stars
435
Forks
40
PR merge metrics
No merged PRs in 30d

Description

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
When I write code in the VS Code editor or the MATLAB command window(terminal), after typing the first few letters of some built‑in functions, I don’t see any drop‑down list suggestions. This makes it very difficult for me to remember the exact function names. Unlike the MATLAB Desktop, which conveniently shows a complete list of candidate function names and even supports scrolling through them with the mouse to select the right one.

Describe the solution you'd like
I hope it can work like the Desktop: whether in the editor or the MATLAB command window, once I type a few initial letters, a complete and predictable drop‑down list of suggestions should appear for further selection.

Describe alternatives you've considered
Right now, I have to go to the official documentation website every time to look up the exact names and usage of built‑in functions.

Additional context

  • Desktop Example:
Image Image Image
  • VS Code Editor

I know that the current MATLAB extension supports typing a few initial letters and then showing a drop‑down suggestion window, but it is very difficult for it to pop up automatically, making it almost unusable. Many times it does not appear promptly on its own.

Image

MATLAB Terminal(command window) have no similar drop‑down suggestion window.

Contributor guide

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First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Reproduce completion behavior in the VS Code editor and MATLAB command window, starting with the extension's existing suggestion popup behavior described in the issue. Compare automatic suggestions for built-in functions and predictable items with MATLAB Desktop, and consider the work done when both environments provide reliable, selectable drop-down suggestions after typing initial letters.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
matlab, typescript, vscode
Domain
developer-experience, tooling
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Quiet
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
35/100

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