autotype

1 process for producing permanent prints in a carbon pigment [syn: autotypy]

2 an exact copy or reproduction [syn: facsimile]

English

Noun

1. dated countable A copy or facsimile
2. dated countable An early form of photograph produced using autotypy
3. uncountable computing A function that completes the typing of a field using a prediction based upon the characters entered so far

Autotype is a function in some computer applications or programs, typically those containing forms, which fills in a field once you have typed in the first few letters. Most of the time, such as in Internet Explorer, 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.

• See: AutoComplete
• Compare: Autofill

Autotype can also refer to automatically determining a peripheral'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 printing.

External links

• PCMag Encyclopedia entry
• History of Autotype
• Adding Autotype feature to any windows application