Autotype is a function in some
computer applications
A computer is a machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations (computation) automatically. Modern digital electronic computers can perform generic sets of operations known as programs. These progra ...
or
programs, typically those containing
forms
Form is the shape, visual appearance, or configuration of an object. In a wider sense, the form is the way something happens.
Form also refers to:
*Form (document), a document (printed or electronic) with spaces in which to write or enter data
* ...
, which fills in a field once you have typed in the first few letters. Most of the time, such as in a
web browser
A web browser is application software for accessing websites. When a user requests a web page from a particular website, the browser retrieves its files from a web server and then displays the page on the user's screen. Browsers are used on ...
, the entries that appear in the list depend on the form's name, so as to not propose street names in a last name field or vice versa.
Background
Autotype can also refer to automatically determining a
peripheral
A peripheral or peripheral device is an auxiliary device used to put information into and get information out of a computer. The term ''peripheral device'' refers to all hardware components that are attached to a computer and are controlled by the ...
's configuration or a program's
variables.
Autotype is defined as a "true representation of the original" (see O.E.D). The term autotype was coined in the late 19th century and referred to a process for making photographic prints using a
carbon process. Many autotype prints were produced and the process was popular well into the 20th century, particularly since autotype prints are very long lasting (it is said that an autotype could last up to 500 years without fading).
Autotype may also refer to
halftone
Halftone is the reprographic
Reprography (a portmanteau of ''reproduction'' and ''photography'') is the reproduction of graphics through mechanical or electrical means, such as photography or xerography. Reprography is commonly used in catal ...
printing. The term may also apply to the Autotype Company, founded in London in 1868 as the "Autotype Fine Art Company", which was one of the pioneers in the
carbon print and autotype reproduction process and which still exists as a supplier of coated films.
"Autotype Fine Art Company"
''Encyclopedia of Nineteenth-Century Photography'', edited by John Hannavy
Macdermid autotype
/ref> Autotype is now part of the Platform Speciality Products group of companies.
See also
* Autocomplete
Autocomplete, or word completion, is a feature in which an application predicts the rest of a word a user is typing. In Android and iOS smartphones, this is called predictive text. In graphical user interfaces, users can typically press the tab ...
* Autofill
Autofill is a function found in some computer applications or programs, typically those containing forms, which prefills a field automatically and can save a user time.
A web browser's autofill feature is used to fill out forms with previously en ...
* Context sensitive user interface
A context-sensitive user interface offers the user options based on the state of the active program. Context sensitivity is ubiquitous in current graphical user interfaces, often in context menus.
A user-interface may also provide context sensitiv ...
* Combo box
A combo box is a commonly used graphical user interface widget (or control). Traditionally, it is a combination of a drop-down list or list box and a single-line editable textbox, allowing the user to either type a value directly or select a val ...
References
External links
PCMag Encyclopedia entry
Text editor features
Non-impact printing
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