Find-file Opens Wrong File When Typing New File Name That Fuzzily Matches Existing One

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Introduction

Vertico is a fantastic piece of work that has revolutionized the way we interact with Emacs. Its ability to provide a seamless and efficient completion experience has made it a must-have for many Emacs users. However, like any other software, Vertico is not immune to issues. In this article, we will delve into a specific problem that has been reported by a user, where find-file opens the wrong file when typing a new file name that fuzzily matches an existing one.

Understanding the Issue

The issue at hand is quite specific and can be reproduced by following a series of steps. To begin with, we need to ensure that a file named foo_bar.py exists in the current directory. Next, we run emacs -Q and evaluate a minimal configuration that includes the installation of Vertico. We then proceed to use C-x C-f to open a new file, type foo.py, and press RET. The expected behavior is that a new file named foo.py should be created. However, the actual behavior is that Vertico opens foo_bar.py instead.

Steps to Reproduce the Issue

To reproduce the issue, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure a file foo_bar.py exists in the current directory. This file will serve as the existing file that will be matched by Vertico.
  2. Run emacs -Q and evaluate the following minimal configuration:
(package-initialize)
(add-to-list 'package-archives '("melpa" . "https://melpa.org/packages/"))
(package-refresh-contents)
(package-install 'vertico)
(require 'vertico)
(vertico-mode 1)

(setq completion-category-overrides '((file (styles basic partial-completion))))
(setq completion-auto-select nil)

This configuration will install Vertico and enable it in Emacs. We also override the file completion styles to basic + partial-completion and disable completion-auto-select. 3. Use C-x C-f to open a new file, type foo.py, and press RET. This will trigger the issue and allow us to observe the behavior of Vertico.

Expected vs. Actual Behavior

The expected behavior is that a new file named foo.py should be created. However, the actual behavior is that Vertico opens foo_bar.py instead. This indicates that Vertico is selecting an existing fuzzy match instead of respecting the typed input.

Additional Context

To provide more context, the user has reported the following:

  • Emacs version: 30.1
  • Vertico version: 20250419.816
  • Disabled completion-auto-select: The user has disabled completion-auto-select to prevent Vertico from automatically selecting the first completion.
  • Overridden file completion styles: The user has overridden the file completion styles to basic + partial-completion to ensure that Vertico uses the correct completion styles.
  • Same issue occurs when pressing C-j: The user has reported that the same issue occurs when pressing C-j instead of RET.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue reported by the user is a specific problem that can be reproduced by following a series of steps. The expected behavior is that a new file named foo.py should be created, but the actual behavior is that Vertico opens foo_bar.py instead. This indicates that Vertico is selecting an existing fuzzy match instead of respecting the typed input. To resolve this issue, we need to investigate further and identify the root cause of the problem.

Potential Solutions

To resolve this issue, we can explore the following potential solutions:

  • Investigate the completion algorithm: We can investigate the completion algorithm used by Vertico to determine why it is selecting an existing fuzzy match instead of respecting the typed input.
  • Modify the completion styles: We can modify the completion styles used by Vertico to ensure that it uses the correct completion styles for file completion.
  • Disable fuzzy matching: We can disable fuzzy matching in Vertico to prevent it from selecting existing fuzzy matches.

Future Work

To resolve this issue, we need to conduct further investigation and testing. We can work with the user to reproduce the issue and identify the root cause of the problem. We can also explore potential solutions and modify the completion algorithm or styles to ensure that Vertico behaves as expected.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we delved into a specific problem that has been reported by a user, where find-file opens the wrong file when typing a new file name that fuzzily matches an existing one. In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to address some of the common questions and concerns related to this issue.

Q: What is the root cause of the issue?

A: The root cause of the issue is not yet clear. However, it is believed to be related to the completion algorithm used by Vertico. We are currently investigating the issue and exploring potential solutions.

Q: Why is Vertico selecting an existing fuzzy match instead of respecting the typed input?

A: This is a good question. Vertico is designed to provide a seamless and efficient completion experience. However, in this case, it appears that Vertico is selecting an existing fuzzy match instead of respecting the typed input. We are working to resolve this issue and ensure that Vertico behaves as expected.

Q: Can I disable fuzzy matching in Vertico?

A: Yes, you can disable fuzzy matching in Vertico. However, this may not resolve the issue entirely. We recommend exploring other potential solutions, such as modifying the completion algorithm or styles.

Q: What are the potential solutions to this issue?

A: We are currently exploring the following potential solutions:

  • Modify the completion algorithm: We can modify the completion algorithm used by Vertico to ensure that it respects the typed input.
  • Modify the completion styles: We can modify the completion styles used by Vertico to ensure that it uses the correct completion styles for file completion.
  • Disable fuzzy matching: We can disable fuzzy matching in Vertico to prevent it from selecting existing fuzzy matches.

Q: How can I help debug this issue?

A: We appreciate your willingness to help debug this issue. To help us reproduce the issue, please provide the following information:

  • Emacs version: Please provide the version of Emacs you are using.
  • Vertico version: Please provide the version of Vertico you are using.
  • Minimal configuration: Please provide a minimal configuration that reproduces the issue.
  • Steps to reproduce: Please provide the steps to reproduce the issue.

Q: What is the expected behavior of Vertico in this scenario?

A: The expected behavior of Vertico in this scenario is that it should respect the typed input and create a new file with the specified name. However, in this case, Vertico is selecting an existing fuzzy match instead of respecting the typed input.

Q: Can I use a different completion engine instead of Vertico?

A: Yes, you can use a different completion engine instead of Vertico. However, we recommend exploring other potential solutions, such as modifying the completion algorithm or styles, before switching to a different completion engine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue reported by the user is a specific problem that can be reproduced by following a series of steps. The expected behavior is that a new file named foo.py should be created, but the actual behavior is that Vertico opens foo_bar.py instead. This indicates that Vertico is selecting an existing fuzzy match instead of respecting the typed input. We are currently investigating the issue and exploring potential solutions. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.