finishAutofillContext method Null safety

void finishAutofillContext(
  1. {bool shouldSave = true}
)

Finishes the current autofill context, and potentially saves the user input for future use if shouldSave is true.

Typically, this method should be called when the user has finalized their input. For example, in a Form, it's typically done immediately before or after its content is submitted.

The topmost AutofillGroups also call finishAutofillContext automatically when they are disposed. The default behavior can be overridden in AutofillGroup.onDisposeAction.

An autofill context is a collection of input fields that live in the platform's text input plugin. The platform is encouraged to save the user input stored in the current autofill context before the context is destroyed, when TextInput.finishAutofillContext is called with shouldSave set to true.

Currently, there can only be at most one autofill context at any given time. When any input field in an AutofillGroup requests for autofill (which is done automatically when an autofillable EditableText gains focus), the current autofill context will merge the content of that AutofillGroup into itself. When there isn't an existing autofill context, one will be created to hold the newly added input fields from the group.

Once added to an autofill context, an input field will stay in the context until the context is destroyed. To prevent leaks, call TextInput.finishAutofillContext to signal the text input plugin that the user has finalized their input in the current autofill context. The platform text input plugin either encourages or discourages the platform from saving the user input based on the value of the shouldSave parameter. The platform usually shows a "Save for autofill?" prompt for user confirmation.

On many platforms, calling finishAutofillContext shows the save user input dialog and disrupts the user's flow. Ideally the dialog should only be shown no more than once for every screen. Consider removing premature finishAutofillContext calls to prevent showing the save user input UI too frequently. However, calling finishAutofillContext when there's no existing autofill context usually does not bring up the save user input UI.

See also:

Implementation

static void finishAutofillContext({ bool shouldSave = true }) {
  assert(shouldSave != null);
  TextInput._instance._channel.invokeMethod<void>(
    'TextInput.finishAutofillContext',
    shouldSave,
  );
}