Elisp function select argument from list

Question

I have an Elisp function which takes one argument (so far so good). This one argument is supposed to be an item from a list, and nothing else.

Is there a way I can display the list in kind of a "selection buffer" (like dired), where the user can navigate to the item and select it by hitting enter, instead of having to type out the string manually?

Answer 1

The usual way to do that is via completing-read. You can then use a minibuffer-with-setup-hook where you call minibuffer-completion-help so as to pop up a *Completions* buffer right away, so the user can click on his choice.

Answer 2

What you are looking for is completing-read:

(defun foo (arg)
  (interactive (list (completing-read ...)))
  ....)

Answer 3

If I understood the question correctly, you are looking for something like this:

(defun foo (list)
  (interactive)
  (let ((arg (ido-completing-read "Select from list: " list))))
     ...)

The selection process is not like dired, but it is common for emacs users to select from a list using ido or other similar alternatives. You can narrow your search, move between alternatives and a long etc. Type M-x customize-group RET ido if you want to have a feeling of what preferences you may customize.