MATLAB: Suggestion/question: User-friendly tab auto-completions

auto-completecommand windowtabuser interface

Hello, I have a question/suggestion about the tab-to-complete box, and improving its utility. I am submitting this here, as there may be an existing option I am missing: otherwise I shall resubmit to feature requests.
The crux of the matter is that when using tab-to-complete in the command window, the alphabetical listing is actually a major hindrance if my script/function/variable name is similar to a lot of others in the Matlab path. If I have a variable 'plottedData' in my workspace, and I type 'plo-[TAB]' the list is enormous, and most of the words say plot in them; there is also no quick way to visually pick my variable out from all of the m-files (the '.m' at the end is not sufficient). Now I could continue typing my variable name, but that quickly makes auto-complete less useful. As someone who likes verbose function and variable names, AC is a real time saver.
So, the solution would be to allow re-ordering or sectioning of auto-complete suggestions. Say, workspace variables at the top in a block, functions in your custom matlab path in a second block, and functions in the default path at the bottom. (Note that there is an inherent issue with overloaded function names too, so maybe order those in the order they appear in the path list? Not sure, those are more complicated. and how about variable+function overloads?).
Alternatively, color coding variables vs. functions within the auto-complete window would make it easier to pick out.
I am certain that not everyone will want to muck with their AC the same way I do, but it would be nice to have the option. Does it exist?

Best Answer

Give the Live Editor a try in a new-ish release of MATLAB; I expect its auto-completion will behave more like you are hoping for.