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Josep Mir
Josep Mir

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2 3

TOP 20 VS Code shortcuts: Mac Edition

Here is the guide for windows and linux

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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: ⇧⌘P

2- Quick file open: ⌘P

3- Errors and warnings: ⇧⌘M
navigate trhough errors with F8 or ⇧F8

4- Toggle Terminal: ⌃+backtick

5- Toggle Sidebar: ⌘B

6- Zen mode: ⌘K Z
Exit with Esc Esc

7- Open new tab: ⌘\

8- Switch tabs: ⌘1, ⌘2, ⌘3

9- Multicursor selection: Option+Click or ⌥⌘↑ / ⌥⌘↓

10- Next occurence selection: ⌘D

11- Select current line: ⌘L

12- Expand / shrink selection: ⌃⇧⌘← or ⌃⇧⌘→

13- Copy line up / down: ⇧⌥↑ or ⇧⌥↓

14- Move line up and down: ⌥↑ or ⌥↓

15- Code format: ⇧⌥F

16- Go to definition: F12 or Cmd+click

17- Go to references: ⇧F12

18- Peek definition: ⌥F12

19- Navigation history: ⌃Tab
Navigate back and forward ⌃- and ⌃⇧-

20- Rename: F2

Extra: Configrue autosave
open settings ⌘, and search for 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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