Custom search function for jQuery UI Autocomplete

Question

I'm using jQuery UI Autocomplete.

Is there a way to override its default search algorithm?

The changes I want to make are:

• Prioritize words that start with the search term at the top of the suggested results.
• Return a maximum of 5 results (instead of the default behavior, which is to return all matching results, potentially creating a really tall dropdown box).

Answer 1

Normally, it all should be done in back-end. Your server-side script defines in what order and how many results will be returned.

Alternatively (if back-end is not under your control), you can specify function as source attribute. In this function you can query back-end and process results in whatever way your want. E.g., here's an example
http://jqueryui.com/demos/autocomplete/#multiple-remote