| Run Time Interaction > Searching and Field Completion > Searching in TDBList |
The MatchEntry property determines how a TDBList control performs searches based on user input.
When set to 0 - None (the default), the control does not perform any incremental searches.
When set to 1 - Standard, the search argument is limited to one character, and the control attempts to find a match for the character entered using the first letter of entries in the list. Repeatedly typing the same letter cycles through all of the entries in the list beginning with that letter.
When set to 2 - Extended, the control searches for an entry matching all characters entered. The search is performed incrementally as characters are typed. This behavior is almost identical to that of a TDBCombo control except that the search argument is cleared when a TDBList control gains focus, or when the user presses Backspace or hesitates for a few seconds. Use the MatchEntryTimeout property to specify the timeout value; the next characters entered by the user after hesitating for the specified time will begin a new search through the list.