Keyboard Shortcuts and Commands for VS Code
Unlock the full potential of Visual Studio Code with this guide to essential keyboard shortcuts and commands. Designed to streamline your workflow, this cheat sheet is perfect for developers of all skill levels.
Keyboard Shortcuts and Commands for VS Code: A Developer’s Cheat Sheet
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has become the go-to code editor for developers worldwide. With its extensive features, customizable settings, and an active extension ecosystem, it empowers developers to work efficiently. But did you know that mastering its keyboard shortcuts and commands can take your productivity to the next level?
Whether you’re just starting with VS Code or are a seasoned developer, this cheat sheet provides the essential shortcuts and commands you need to work faster, code smarter, and spend less time navigating through menus. Let’s dive in!
Why Use Keyboard Shortcuts in VS Code?
Keyboard shortcuts are more than just a convenience—they're productivity boosters. By eliminating the need to switch between the mouse and keyboard, shortcuts allow you to:
Save time while coding.
Focus on problem-solving rather than tool management.
Perform repetitive tasks quickly.
Reduce strain on your hands by avoiding excessive mouse usage.
Getting Started: The Basics
Here are the essential shortcuts to help you get started with VS Code. (Mac users, replace Ctrl with Cmd and Alt with Option.)
Command | Windows/Linux | Description |
|---|---|---|
Open Command Palette | Ctrl + Shift + P | Access commands and extensions. |
Open File | Ctrl + O | Open a file in the editor. |
Save File | Ctrl + S | Save the current file. |
Close Editor | Ctrl + W | Close the current tab. |
Split Editor | Ctrl + \ | Split the editor into two panes. |
Toggle Terminal | Ctrl + `` | Show or hide the integrated terminal. |
Quick Open | Ctrl + P | Quickly navigate to files in your workspace. |
Find in File | Ctrl + F | Search for text within the current file. |
Find in Workspace | Ctrl + Shift + F | Search for text across the entire workspace. |
Navigation and Editing
Quick navigation and editing are critical for developers working with large codebases. These shortcuts can make moving around your code a breeze.
Command | Windows/Linux | Description |
|---|---|---|
Go to Line/Column | Ctrl + G | Jump to a specific line or column. |
Go to Symbol | Ctrl + Shift + O | Navigate to a function, variable, or class. |
Multi-Cursor Editing | Alt + Click | Add a new cursor at the clicked location. |
Move Line Up/Down | Alt + Up/Down | Move the current line up or down. |
Copy Line Up/Down | Shift + Alt + Up/Down | Duplicate the current line. |
Comment/Uncomment | Ctrl + / | Add or remove a comment on the selected lines. |
Format Document | Shift + Alt + F | Auto-format your code according to the rules. |
Terminal Shortcuts
The integrated terminal in VS Code makes it easier to run commands without leaving the editor. These shortcuts will save you even more time.
Command | Windows/Linux | Description |
|---|---|---|
Create New Terminal | Ctrl + Shift + `` | Open a new terminal instance. |
Switch Terminal Tabs | Ctrl + PageUp/PageDown | Navigate between multiple terminal tabs. |
Kill Terminal | Ctrl + C | Terminate the current terminal process. |
Clear Terminal | Ctrl + K | Clear all terminal output. |
Debugging
Debugging is an essential part of coding. VS Code makes it easy with these shortcuts:
Command | Windows/Linux | Description |
|---|---|---|
Start/Continue Debugging | F5 | Start or continue debugging your code. |
Step Over | F10 | Skip to the next line in the function. |
Step Into | F11 | Enter the function to debug. |
Step Out | Shift + F11 | Exit the current function. |
Toggle Breakpoint | F9 | Add or remove a breakpoint. |
View Debug Console | Ctrl + Shift + Y | Open the debug console. |
Customizing Your Shortcuts
Every developer has their own preferences. Thankfully, VS Code allows you to customize shortcuts to suit your workflow.
Open the Command Palette (Ctrl + Shift + P).
Search for Preferences: Open Keyboard Shortcuts.
Modify shortcuts by searching for the command and assigning a new keybinding.
Conclusion
By incorporating these keyboard shortcuts into your workflow, you can dramatically improve your efficiency in VS Code. The key is to practice and gradually integrate them until they become second nature. Keep this cheat sheet handy and explore additional shortcuts that cater to your specific coding style. Happy coding! 🚀
Let us know your favorite VS Code shortcuts or tips in the comments below!
Comments
Saikat Roy
1/6/2025, 10:43:02 AM
Awesome
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