Best VS Code Shortcuts and Productivity Hacks for 2023

Introduction

There is a constant hurry in the coders’ world, and that means that such a thing as time optimization matters. When seconds are important it means that developers require the tools that would help to address the issues within the shortest time possible. This is where Visual Studio Code (VS Code) makes a difference. Since it has remained one of the most popular code editors, it comes with a nearly perfect coding environment together with amazing keyboard shortcuts and other tricks that make coding more efficient. In this article, you will discover practical, tested VS Code shortcuts and hacks for the year 2023 that can improve your work.

Now, when you are ready for a new programming project, let’s familiarize ourselves with how to setup a new project in VS Code.

First of all, before going over the list of shortcuts, it might be useful to explain to the newcomers of VS Code what VS Code actually is. It is very easy to install VS Code – a fresher can download latest version for free from the official site of VS Code and then can install it by just running the installer. Once you’re in, you get a clean workspace that is ready for you to actually create something.

Keyboard Shortcuts versus Mouse Indicator

Imagine this: you are coding well then boom, you need to copy a line or switch from one tab to another. Do you interrupt the task to point at the mouse and click or do you type the keyboard faster than the mouse and get the same result? This is how, or rather, through keyboard shortcuts. So you can imagine how much they are about not having to stop and think; how much they are about sustaining your coding velocity.

Key Navigation Shortcuts Basic to Use on a Computer

I think it is high time we begin at the beginning; or more accurately, the beginning which is navigation. To navigate around your code, it is rather helpful to do it as soon as possible, and, actually, VS Code provides quite a number of shortcuts to do so rather easy. Hitting the Ctrl + Tab keys makes it very easy to go through opened tabs. Are you initiating a terminal? In this way, you can avoid long navigation sessions or touching the mouse, for example Ctrl + ~ will get you there.

Alphabets, Number Writing and Editing Shortcuts

Editing-and-writing related tasks are central to coding-and VS Code is here to help you out. To comment out a line use the control key and press slash (/). For instance, if you require to replicate a line, busy box maker software can assist. If you encounter this issue, then Shift + Alt + Down Arrow is going to become your new buddy. All these small conveniences sum up making the programmers’ work with code better.

It also defines efficient selection and manipulation of codes to meet the client’s needs and expectations.

Choosing properly and moving programm inserts is the characteristic feature of a real professional coder, as far as J. Z. Bakus is concerned. Activate the next occurrence of the current selection with CTRL + D, ideal for when you are re-naming variables across a project. But if you want to apparently interchange the positions of two lines, it is done by pressing Alt + UP ARROW or Alt + DOWN ARROW.

Integrated Terminal Tricks

The terminal you get in VS Code is a part of the extension and an integrated terminal alone is quite powerful. Do you need to type a command? To open /close the terminal all that is needed is to press Ctrl + backtick~ Erasing the terminal is really very simple; all you have to do is to type clear and press the Enter key.

Shortcuts commonly used for managing files and collaborating with other creators engaged in version control.

Version control and collaboration are prerequisites for the contemporary development processes. Other shortcut which aids the users to navigate the IDE is, Ctrl+Shift+G to trigger the Git source control pane. Need to merge? Additionally, there is a mouse shortcut of Ctrl + Shift + M, which is recommended to perform the enhancement smoothly.

Extensions for Enhanced Productivity

There are millions of extensions available for VS Code and majority of them are well developed to enhance productivity. For instance, you have “Bracket Pair Colorizer” which colorizes your most needed brackets for identification. Extensions can also be installed easily; open the extension menu with Ctrl + Shift + X and search for the extension and install it.

Customizing VS Code

Customizing is always fun, and yes, that is where they have got it right for VS Code. To change the theme you use Ctrl + K, then Ctrl + T But what if I tell you that you can set your own shortcut? Goto File > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts, and go crazy.

Search and Find Shortcuts

Suppose you are in the middle of your code and you want to find some short piece of text; speed is extremely important here. To open the Find dialog, press Ctrl + F and for Find and Replace press, Ctrl + H. Do you want to search in all files? Ctrl + Shift + F is the shortcut that is for your rescue.

Debugging Made Easy

Debugging is a process that relates to coding, however, it does not have to be a painful process. To set a breakpoint press F9 then press F5 to begin the debugging. It feels great when you reach your breakpoints; here, you can use F10 to go into the line by line mode. It is actually like watching a detective drama that is restricted and contained.

Multi-Cursor Magic

Did you ever wish to edit several lines at the same time? Multi-cursor shortcuts in VS Code enable you to do exactly that. Press the Alt key and click with your cursor on different places in your code – you will see that while typing, the selected lines are edited at the same time.

Performance Optimization Hacks

The great thing about the VS Code is that as your projects evolve, so does its ability. If you want to avoid any hitch, just close all the unnecessary tabs using Ctrl + W You still can make your editor work faster, just turn off unnecessary extension using Extension sidebar.

Continued and Additional Learning

It is pertinent to understand that the world of technology keeps changing at a fast pace, and VS Code is not exclusion. To know the new updates of features, shortcut keys and tricks one can refer to the official website of vs code, using communities like reddit’s vs code and using tutorials of programming languages on YouTube or Udemy.

Conclusion

In the computer coding realm, fractions of time equal to large amounts of coin in anyone’s pocket and thus can be spent in the creation of new software. Absolutely, Visual Studio Code, developed the set of already known and (or) new shortcuts and productivity tips, allows developers code faster and smarter. In fact, including these shortcuts into your code tools means that you are not just increasing your efficiency, but you are expanding your possibility of a better and happier coder.

FAQs

Q1: To what extent can these shortcuts and hacks be used on any language written in the programming environment?
A: Yes most of these shortcuts are cross platform and work in different languages of programming.

Q2: Unfortunately, this is not possible with MadCap Flare; however, you can add scripts to the macro facility to enable you to use the keyboard shortcuts you prefer
. A: Absolutely! VS Code comes with flexibility in touches allowing the users to code based on some certain touches that they prefer.

Q3: Will these shortcuts enable me become a good programmer?
A: Of course, you know that these shortcuts will not turn you into a great programmer, but they will definitely create a favorable code velocity.

Q4: Are these shortcuts identifiable for each of the platforms?
A: No, these shortcuts have been built to function on both the Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

Q5: Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with all those shortcuts set to use, do I have to memorize all of them to be efficient?
A: Not necessarily. It is advised to begin with somewhere around five that relate to your work, and then increase the number as one gets more acquainted with the commands.