microsoft / microsoft/PowerToys
[PowerRename] Predictive "Auto-Match" Suggestion Based on History
- Dominant language
- C
- Stars
- 139k
- Forks
- 8.6k
- PR merge metrics
- PR metrics pending
Description
### Description of the new feature / enhancement
Currently, PowerRename provides a history list of search/replace strings via the [Auto-complete setting](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/powerrename), but it requires the user to manually trigger or scroll through the list to find a match.
I am proposing a "Predictive Auto-Match" system. When PowerRename is launched with a group of files selected, the tool should:
1. Scan the current file list against the user's recent search/RegEx history.
2. Identify which historical pattern provides the highest number of matches for the current selection.
3. Automatically pre-populate the search field (or offer a prominent "Suggested" button) with that high-probability match.
### Scenario when this would be used?
This is a major time-saver for users who perform repetitive but non-identical renaming tasks. For example, if a user frequently renames files with patterns like [Date]_[Name], PowerRename would recognize the pattern in a new batch of files and suggest the corresponding RegEx from history immediately, rather than making the user re-type or search for it.
### Supporting information
Supporting Information
• UI Suggestion: If multiple historical patterns match, a small dropdown or "ghost text" could appear in the input box showing the number of matches found for each historical string (e.g., ^IMG_\d+ (Matches 12/12 files)).
Contributor guide
Research direction
The issue names PowerRename's Auto-complete history, search/RegEx field, and selected-file list, but no repository files or tests. Start by locating those entry points; done means a historical pattern is suggested or prefilled based on the current selection, with multiple matches represented in the UI.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Domain
- desktop
- Issue type
- Feature
- Difficulty
- 5/5
- Estimated time
- Over a week
- Activity status
- Stale
- Clarity
- Mostly clear
- Newbie friendliness
- 35/100