VS Code Shortcuts You’re Probably Overlooking (And Shouldn’t Be)

Visual Studio Code is packed with hidden productivity gems in the form of keyboard shortcuts that many developers miss, yet mastering them can dramatically speed up your workflow. Essential shortcuts like Ctrl + Shift + P (or Cmd + Shift + P on Mac) open the Command Palette, allowing instant access to practically every command available in VS Code without lifting a hand from the keyboard. Ctrl + / (or Cmd + / on Mac) is a simple yet powerful shortcut for commenting out code blocks quickly, a must-have for debugging or writing temporary notes. For those who work on multiple projects or files simultaneously, Ctrl + P (or Cmd + P) provides instant file search, reducing the time spent hunting for files. Additionally, Ctrl + Shift + L (or Cmd + Shift + L on Mac) selects all instances of the selected word, ideal for multi-line or multi-location editing in seconds. Navigating between panels can be a breeze with Ctrl + B to toggle the sidebar and Ctrl + Shift + G to open the source control panel, all from the comfort of the keyboard. A lesser-known shortcut, Ctrl + F2 adds a cursor at every instance of the selected word, making batch edits quick and efficient. Mastering these shortcuts in VS Code not only enhances productivity but can make coding feel more intuitive, keeping you in the coding flow and minimizing mouse reliance. These shortcuts are critical for developers wanting a more streamlined, mouse-free experience, and they offer a path to coding efficiently without interrupting your thought process.