@ inserted via open() is immediately removed when typing

[Azerothwav]

Hi,

While using the lib i encountered an issue with the open() method.

When calling mentionsComp.open() programmatically (for example, via a button click to insert @ at the cursor position), the @ is inserted into the textarea, and the mentions list opens correctly. However, as soon as I type any character after the @, the library removes the @ automatically (the online demo have the same issue).

It seems that the library only considers a mention started when the user physically types the triggerChar, and open() does not mark the mention as “active” internally. Because of this, programmatically inserting @ and opening the mentions list does not work correctly.

Expected behavior:

• Calling open() should insert @ and keep it in the textarea.
• The mention list should stay open and accept typed characters after the inserted @.

Current behavior:

• @ appears when open() is called.
• The @ disappears immediately when typing the next character or selecting a item.

Steps to reproduce:

1. Add a button that calls mentionsComp.open().
2. Click the button to insert @.
3. Type a character after the @ or select a item.
4. Observe that the @ disappears.

Environment:

• ng-mentions version: latest version
• Angular version: 17

Possible solution:

• Allow open() to accept a parameter marking the mention as active, so that the library does not remove the inserted @.

Thank you!