How to use Retool's autocomplete feature?

Using Retool's Autocomplete Feature

Retool is a powerful platform for building internal tools, and its autocomplete feature is particularly useful for enhancing form inputs with predictive suggestions. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to leverage the autocomplete feature in Retool effectively.

Prerequisites

• Ensure you have a Retool account and appropriate access to create or modify apps.
• Basic understanding of JavaScript and Retool’s interface.
• Access to the data source you want to use for the autocomplete feature, such as a database or API.

Adding an Autocomplete Field

• Log in to your Retool account and open an existing app or create a new one.
• In the Retool editor, drag an Input component onto the canvas from the component library on the right-hand side.
• Rename the input field for clarity, for example, autocompleteInput.

Configuring the Data Source

• If you're using a database, ensure it is connected by visiting the Resources page in Retool and confirming the connection.
• Create a query that fetches relevant data for the autocomplete suggestions. For example, if you're fetching user names, you might have a SQL query like: SELECT name FROM users;
• Test the query to ensure it returns the expected results. Save the query with a meaningful name, such as fetchNames.

Enabling Autocomplete with JavaScript

• With your input field selected, navigate to the right-hand panel under Data and locate the Searchable property.
• Switch the Searchable toggle to the "on" position to enable autocomplete functionality.
• In the same panel, set the Data Source for suggestions by linking it to your query. Enter a JavaScript expression referencing the query’s data output, such as: {{fetchNames.data.map(item => item.name)}}.

Implementing Dynamic Suggestions

• To refine suggestions as the user types, bind the input’s onInputChange event to a JavaScript expression that filters results dynamically.
• In the JavaScript section, input logic that filters the fetched names based on the current input value, for instance:

        {{fetchNames.data.filter(item =>
          item.name.toLowerCase().includes(autocompleteInput.value.toLowerCase())
        ).map(item => item.name)}}
      

• This setup ensures that suggestions appear based on the characters entered by the user, improving usability and performance.

Testing the Autocomplete Feature

• Use the preview mode in Retool to test the autocomplete functionality.
• Type into the input field and verify that relevant suggestions appear as expected.
• Make adjustments as needed, particularly with regard to the query and JavaScript logic, to enhance performance and handle edge cases.

Deploying and Using the App

• Once testing is complete, proceed to deploy your app. Retool provides several deployment options, including sharing the app with your organization.
• Ensure that all users have the required permissions to view and interact with the autocomplete input.
• Monitor usage to refine suggestions and improve data fetching efficiency over time.

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively implement and utilize Retool's autocomplete feature to enhance the user experience in your internal applications. Testing and refining your implementation will ensure optimal functionality and user satisfaction.