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My Favorite VSCode Shortcuts & Tricks of All Time

2/18/2024

The ultimate guide to navigating VS Code like a pro with my essential shortcuts.

My Favorite VSCode Shortcuts & Tricks of All Time

🌟 Level Zero: Absolute Beginner

At level zero, we're focusing on essential shortcuts that every programmer should master for a smooth coding experience. These shortcuts are not only applicable in VS Code but also in tools like Google Docs and Microsoft Word, making them universally useful.

  • Creating a New File: Instead of relying on mouse clicks, use CTRL + N to create a new file swiftly.

  • Selecting the Whole Document: Quickly select everything with CTRL + A.

  • Mastering Text Selection:

    • To select character by character, use Shift + Left/Right Arrow.
    • For selecting a word at a time, Shift + CTRL + Left/Right Arrow will do the trick.
    • Selecting a whole line? Shift + Up/Down Arrow or Shift + FN + Left/Right Arrow for line selection without moving the cursor.

🚀 Level One: Building Skills

  • Multi-Cursor Editing: ALT + Click or CTRL + ALT + Up/Down Arrow lets you edit multiple lines simultaneously.

  • Viewing Suggestions: Forgot a Tailwind utility class? CTRL + Space brings up the suggestions.

  • Renaming Attributes: Use CTRL + Shift + L to select all occurrences of a specific term for renaming, or CTRL + D for selecting the next instance.

  • Jumping to a Function's Definition: Use F12 to navigate directly to the definition of a function or variable.

  • Reopening a Closed Tab: Accidentally closed a tab? CTRL + Shift + T will bring it back.

💡 Level Two: Enhancing Workflow

  • Commenting Code: Use CTRL + / or CTRL + K, CTRL + C to comment and CTRL + K, CTRL + U to uncomment.

  • Collapsing Functions: CTRL + K, CTRL + 0 collapses all functions, while CTRL + K, CTRL + J unfolds them.

  • Navigating Files and More:

    • CTRL + P for quick file access.
    • > for searching commands.
    • @ to search for symbols within the current file.
    • : followed by a line number to jump to a specific line.

🏆 Pro Level: Advanced Techniques

  • Sticky Scroll: Keep your headers visible while scrolling through your code by enabling sticky scroll in the settings.

  • Customizing Shortcuts: Modify your shortcuts in the Keyboard Shortcuts settings to suit your workflow.

  • Sidebar Position: Consider moving your sidebar to the right for less layout shift and more focused coding.

Kawtar CHOUBARI ⚛
Kawtar CHOUBARI ⚛
@choubari_
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I'm giving this a try for a week, and that's because I just noticed when we close/open the sidebar when it's on left, the code's vertical starting line changes while on the right the code workspace position doesn't get affected...

sergii
sergii
@SergiiKirianov

I will never go back to file tree on the left side

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That was a good decision!

Incorporating keyboard shortcuts into your workflow can significantly save time. I hope this guide enhances your efficiency in VS Code.

Share this with anyone who might find it beneficial and let me know your thoughts or any shortcuts you love!

Happy coding! 🚀