Here is the guide for mac and windows

VS Code Logo

Just as many of you, I have been working with Visual Studio Code for a long while now in projects using languages like Python, Javascript, Typescript,… With no doubts it is a great tool, but I have the feeling that I am not as productive as when I am working with Java using IntelliJ IDEA. Why is that?

The biggest difference is that I learnt most of the shortcuts that I need in intellij, so I barely use the mouse when programming, and that for me makes a huge difference. In intelliJ there is a great plugin called Key Promoter X that tells you the shortcuts for every action you do that could have been done with a shortcut, it is super easy to learn and remember the most used shortcuts. I couldn’t find any plugin like this for VS Code, if it exists, please, please, PLEASE, let me know in the comments!

As I know it is hard to go and check from time to time the cheat sheet of VS Code shortcuts, here is a compilation of the most used (by me) shortcuts that you(I) should remember first:

Here is the list of TOP 25 shortcuts, with images:

1- Command Paletter: Ctrl+Shift+P

Command Paletter

2- Quick file open: Ctrl+P

File Open

3- Errors and warnings: Ctrl+Shift+M

navigate trhough errors with F8 or Shift+F8

Errors and Warnings

4- Toggle Terminal: Ctrl+backtick

Terminal

5- Toggle Sidebar: Ctrl+B

Sidebar

6- Zen mode: Ctrl+K Z

Exit with Esc Esc

Zen mode

7- Open new tab: Ctrl+\

New Tab

8- Switch tabs: Ctrl+1, Ctrl+2, Ctrl+3

Switch Tab

9- Multicursor selection: Alt+Click or Ctrl+Alt+Up / Ctrl+Alt+Down

Multicursor

10- Next occurence selection: Ctrl+D

Next Occurence

11- Select current line: Ctrl+L

Select Line

12- Expand / shrink selection: Shift+Alt+Left or Shift+Alt+Right

File Open

13- Copy line up / down: Shift+Alt+Up or Shift+Alt+Down

Copy line

14- Move line up and down: Alt+Up or Alt+Down

Move Line

15- Code format: Shift+Alt+F

Code Format

16- Go to definition: F12 or Ctrl+click

Go definition

17- Go to references: Shift+F12

Go references

18- Peek definition: Alt+F12

Peek definitions

19- Navigation history: Ctrl+Tab

Navigate back and forward Alt+Left and Alt+Right

Navigation history

20- Rename: F2

Rename

Extra: Configrue autosave open settings Ctrl+, and search for autosave

Autosave

Just as knowing the language and the paradigm you are working is a must, knowing the tools you are using in order to work effectively is also a important. It makes a difference.


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