What does "Insert common prefixes automatically" do in Eclipse?

Question

I was looking for a way to improve autocompletion in Eclipse and I found this preference setting "insert common prefixes automatically" in the preference window, section Java -> Editor -> Content Assist.

I wonder what it does because I didn't feel any difference. The help says:

If enabled, code assist will automatically insert the common prefix of all possible completions similar to Unix shell expansion. This can be used repeatedly, even while the code assist window is being displayed.

Bonnard

Answer 1

It only applies in a (relatively) small number of cases.

Imagine you have an interface with methods

public interface Farm {
   public int getNumberOfDucks();
   public int getNumberOfChickens();
   public int getNumberOfGeese();
}

then if you have this option turned on and type

farm.getN<control-space>

it will autocomplete to

farm.getNumberOf

before it shows you the menu. Without it, it will show you the menu straight away, without filling anything in.

It only seems to work for members, and not for classes.

Enervated