Introduction

In the fast-paced world of coding, every second counts. Imagine being able to navigate your projects, refactor code, and debug issues—all without touching your mouse. That’s the power of mastering keyboard shortcuts in Visual Studio Code (VS Code). In this blog, I’ll share every single keyboard shortcut available in VS Code, along with personal tips and practical examples that have transformed my coding workflow. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to boost your productivity and make coding more enjoyable.

Ready to become a VS Code shortcut master? Let’s dive in!

1. Basic Navigation

File Operations
Navigating files quickly is the cornerstone of an efficient workflow. Here are the essential shortcuts you need:

Ctrl + N: New file
Tip: I often start a fresh idea or snippet by quickly hitting Ctrl + N. It’s like having a clean slate at your fingertips.

Ctrl + O: Open file
Example: Opening files becomes a breeze with Ctrl + O. I use this to jump between different projects without the hassle of going through the menu.

Ctrl + S: Save file
Tip: I’ve developed the habit of pressing Ctrl + S frequently, ensuring I never lose my progress. It’s like a reflex now.

Ctrl + Shift + S: Save As
Example: When I need to save different versions of a file, this shortcut is a lifesaver. For instance, I often save backup copies of critical scripts before making major changes.

Ctrl + W: Close file
Tip: Closing files quickly keeps my workspace clean and focused on the task at hand.

Ctrl + Shift + T: Reopen last closed file
Example: Ever closed a file by mistake? Ctrl + Shift + T has saved me countless times. It’s like an undo button for files.

Editing
Here are some essential editing shortcuts to streamline your coding:

Ctrl + X: Cut line
Tip: I use this when I need to move a line of code quickly—just cut and paste!

Ctrl + C: Copy line
Example: Copying an entire line without selecting it first? Yes, please. I often use this to duplicate code lines with slight modifications.

Ctrl + V: Paste
Tip: Ctrl + V works seamlessly with Ctrl + X and Ctrl + C for moving and copying code.

Ctrl + Z: Undo
Example: Made a mistake? Ctrl + Z has got your back. I use this shortcut almost every time I write code.

Ctrl + Y: Redo
Tip: If you undo too much, Ctrl + Y will get you back on track.

2. Navigating the Editor

Moving Around
Efficient navigation is key to managing large projects. Here’s how I do it:

Ctrl + P: Quick Open (search files)
Tip: This is my go-to shortcut for quickly accessing any file in my project. Just type a few characters, and VS Code finds it for me.

Ctrl + T: Go to symbol in workspace
Example: When working in a large codebase, finding specific functions or variables is a breeze with Ctrl + T.

Ctrl + G: Go to line
Tip: I use this to jump directly to error lines in the terminal, speeding up the debugging process.

Ctrl + Shift + O: Go to symbol in file
Example: Need to find a function definition in a file? This shortcut lets me do it without scrolling through hundreds of lines of code.

Ctrl + Shift + M: View Problems panel
Tip: Quickly accessing the Problems panel lets me address issues as they arise, keeping my code clean and error-free.

Multi-Cursor Editing
Multi-cursor editing is a game-changer. Here’s how you can use it:

Alt + Click: Add cursor
Tip: I use this to place multiple cursors across different lines, allowing me to make bulk edits simultaneously.

Ctrl + Alt + Down: Add cursor below
Example: Need to edit similar lines of code? This shortcut lets me place cursors below the current line, making parallel changes effortless.

Ctrl + Alt + Up: Add cursor above
Tip: The opposite of the above—use it to add cursors above the current line.

Ctrl + D: Add selection to next find match
Example: I use this to quickly select and edit all instances of a variable or function name in a file, making refactoring fast and efficient.

3. Working with the Editor

Code Formatting
Keeping code neat is crucial. Here’s how I do it:

Alt + Shift + F: Format document
Tip: I rely on this shortcut to automatically format my code according to the rules set in my project, ensuring consistency.

Ctrl + K, Ctrl + F: Format selection
Example: When working on complex code snippets, I often format just the selected block of code, keeping it tidy without affecting the rest of the file.

Selection and Multi-Line Editing
Selecting and editing multiple lines at once can save a ton of time:

Ctrl + L: Select line
Tip: I use this to quickly select and copy or delete an entire line without using the mouse.

Ctrl + Shift + L: Select all occurrences of the current selection
Example: This shortcut is my go-to for bulk editing similar pieces of code, like changing variable names across a file.

Ctrl + Shift + Alt + Down: Copy line down
Tip: I often use this to duplicate code lines when writing repetitive structures like lists or arrays.

Ctrl + Shift + Alt + Up: Copy line up
Example: Similar to the above, but for copying lines upwards. Handy when building out scaffolding for a block of code.

4. Debugging

Running and Debugging
Debugging is made easy with these shortcuts:

F5: Start Debugging
Tip: I use this shortcut to quickly start the debugging process, saving time on manual configurations.

Shift + F5: Stop Debugging
Example: When the debugging session is done, Shift + F5 halts it instantly, letting me return to coding.

F9: Toggle Breakpoint
Tip: I set breakpoints with F9 to pause execution and inspect variables or conditions, ensuring my logic is solid.

F10: Step Over
Example: During debugging, F10 lets me step over functions, allowing me to quickly move through my code without diving into every function.

F11: Step Into
Tip: When I need to inspect a function more closely, F11 steps me into it, so I can see what’s happening under the hood.

Shift + F11: Step Out
Example: After stepping into a function, Shift + F11 steps out, returning me to the calling function and continuing the debug process.

5. Integrated Terminal

Managing Terminals
The integrated terminal is a powerful tool, and these shortcuts make it even better:

Ctrl + Backtick: Toggle integrated terminal
Tip: This shortcut toggles the terminal without taking my focus off the code, streamlining my workflow.

Ctrl + Shift + : Create new terminal
Example: I use this when I need to run multiple terminal commands simultaneously, like building and testing a project.

Ctrl + C: Copy selected text in terminal
Tip: Ctrl + C lets me copy commands or output directly from the terminal, perfect for documenting processes or sharing commands.

Ctrl + V: Paste into terminal
Example: I use this to quickly paste long commands or paths into the terminal, saving me from typing them out manually.

6. Extensions and Customizations

Managing Extensions
Extensions can supercharge VS Code, and these shortcuts help you manage them:

Ctrl + Shift + X: Open Extensions view
Tip: I frequently browse new extensions using this shortcut, always on the lookout for tools to enhance my coding experience.

Ctrl + Shift + P: Show Command Palette
Example: The Command Palette is my control center. I use it to access everything from extension commands to settings without leaving the keyboard.

Ctrl + K, Ctrl + S: Open Keyboard Shortcuts
Tip: Customizing shortcuts is key to a personalized workflow. I tweak mine regularly to fit my habits and improve efficiency.

Custom Keybindings
Creating custom keybindings can make your workflow even smoother:

Tip: I’ve set up custom keybindings for frequent tasks like toggling comments (Ctrl + /) or switching between split views. This personalization makes my workflow faster and more intuitive.

Example: By customizing my keybindings, I’ve reduced the time spent on repetitive tasks, allowing me to focus more on writing code and less on managing the editor.

7. Miscellaneous Shortcuts

Zooming and Focus Management
Sometimes, you need to adjust your workspace on the fly:

Ctrl + + / Ctrl + -: Zoom in/out
Tip: I use these shortcuts to adjust the text size when presenting code to a team or working on a small screen.

Ctrl + B: Toggle sidebar visibility
Example: When I need more space to focus on the code, Ctrl + B hides the sidebar, giving me a distraction-free environment.

Managing Editors
Working with multiple editors can be overwhelming. These shortcuts help:

Ctrl + : Split editor
Tip: Splitting the editor allows me to work on multiple files side by side, ideal for comparing code or referencing documentation.

Ctrl + 1, Ctrl + 2, Ctrl + 3: Focus on editor groups
Example: When working in split views, I use these shortcuts to switch focus between editor groups, keeping my workflow smooth and uninterrupted.

Conclusion

Mastering VS Code shortcuts isn’t just about speed—it’s about making your coding experience more efficient and enjoyable. By incorporating these shortcuts into your daily routine, you’ll find yourself coding faster, debugging more efficiently, and navigating your projects with ease.