Every professional tool has its nuances that allow for an optimized and efficient workflow. One of the many reasons developers love Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is its robust set of keyboard shortcuts. Keyboard shortcuts not only speed up your workflow but also give you a feel of fluency and mastery over your tools. In this article, we’ll dive deep into some of my most frequently used keyboard shortcuts in VS Code.
Why Use Keyboard Shortcuts?
Before we delve into the specifics, let’s address the importance of using keyboard shortcuts. By eliminating the need to constantly reach for your mouse or to navigate through menus, you’re not only saving precious seconds but also maintaining your flow state. Over time, these saved seconds add up, leading to significant productivity gains.
My Most-Used VS Code Shortcuts
Below are the (MacOS) shortcuts that I find myself using the most in my daily workflow:
-
Navigating between tabs and terminal:
⌘ +` -
Formatting code:
⇧ + ⌥ + -
Commenting out code:
⌘ + / -
Indenting and outdenting code:
⌘ + ]/⌘ + [ -
Moving lines of code:
⌥ + ↑/⌥ ↓ -
Copying an entire line:
⇧ + ⌥ + ↑/⇧ + ⌥ ↓ -
Deleting a section or line:
⌘ + ⇧ + K/⌘ + X -
Starting a new line:
⌘ + Enter -
Jumping to the start or end of a document:
⌘ + ↑/⌘ + ↓ -
Folding a function or section:
⌥ + ⌘ + [ -
Unfolding a function or section:
⌥ + ⌘ + ] -
Accessing quick actions and commands:
⌘ + ⇧ + P -
Navigating to settings:
⌘ + ,
Dive Deeper
The beauty of VS Code is its flexibility. If the above shortcuts don’t align with your personal preferences or if you have a unique set of commands you frequently access, you can always customize your shortcuts. Just head over to settings > keyboard shortcuts in VS Code to explore and set your own combinations.
Wrapping Up
Mastering keyboard shortcuts in VS Code (or any tool, for that matter) is akin to mastering a musical instrument. The more you practice, the more fluent and efficient you become. Embrace these shortcuts, and watch your productivity soar!
I hope this article encourages you to dive deeper into the functionalities of VS Code and truly harness its power. Happy coding!
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