In previous versions of kwrite / kate / kdevelop, auto-brackets allowed text to be highlighted, then encased between quotes (double and single), brackets, braces and square brackets.  The current version of kwrite in Debian Jessie is 4.14.2 and the auto-brackets functionality is missing.

The Auto-Braces plugin DOES NOT provide equivalent or acceptible behavior for a professional programmer's editor.  How can I quickly restore the previous behavior to my favorite editing IDE as the current version is costing me money?

Reproducible: Always

Steps to Reproduce:
1. With Auto Braces turned on (auto-brackets is no longer available), type a few words of text.
2. Highlight a portion of text then press any of the following keys " ' [ ( {
3. Instead of the highlighted text being encased between the chosen quotes or brackets / braces, the quotes or brackets / braces appear and the text is gone.

example: Type the following text: The Fat Cat
Now with the mouse or keyboard select the words Fat Cat then press the " key

Actual Results:  
The ""

Expected Results:  
The "Fat Cat"

Kate / Kdevelop have served me well for the past 7 years and without auto-brackets it is now seriously broken,  I use the earlier versions on several of my computer systems and none of these have the issue.

Please replace the Auto Braces plugin with one that enables the correct behavior of preserving selected text when using brackets, or restore the code for auto-braces.