One of the greatest way to improve your productivity is using the keyboard shortcuts when programming. Learn to use keyboard shortcuts will bring your productivity into another. It helps you to do things quicker and more efficiently without leaving your keyboard.
To become a programming ninja, here is the list of keyboard shortcuts that are highly recommended for programmers.
Generic Windows Shortcuts
Ctrl + C – Copy
Ctrl + X – Cut
Ctrl + V – Paste
Ctrl + S – Save
Ctrl + Z – Undo
Ctrl + Y – Redo
Ctrl + F – Find in window/app
Windows + D – Minimize all windows, go to desktop.
Windows + Up/Down Arrow – Minimize/Maximize current window/app
Windows + Left/Right Arrow – Move current window/app to left/right side of/next screen.
Alt + Tab – Switched to the next Window Tab
Shift + Alt + Tab – Reverse Window Tab Move
WINDOWS KEY + R – Run and type command to open notepad, command prompted, etc.
ALT + F4 – Close the current application or shut down computer
Cursor Keyboard Shortcut
Arrow Key (UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT) – Move character by character.
SHIFT + Arrow Key (UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT) – Arrow select specific text by moving character by character OR line by line.
HOME Key – Reach to Beginning of the line
END Key – Reach to End of the line
SHIFT + HOME – Select entire line before the cursor
SHIFT + END – Select entire line after the cursor
CTRL + BACKSPACE – Remove Whole Word
Chrome Browser Shortcuts
CTRL + W – To close the current tab in browser
CTRL + N – Open new browser window whether its Chrome or IE.
CTRL + SHIFT + N – Open new Incognito browser window Chrome.
ALT + TAB – Switch to different tabs
CTRL + TAB – Switch between different tabs forward in browser
CTRL + SHIFT + TAB – Switch between different tabs backward in browser
CTRL + T – Open new tab in Browser
Ctrl + Shift + T – Restore the last closed tab
Ctrl + 1/2/3 (Number) – Switch To the first/second/third Tab (Number)
CTRL+D – Bookmark Current Page
VS Code Keyboard Shortcuts
Alt + Left Arrow – Go back – Last Cursor Position. This could be in a a different file.
Alt + Right Arrow – Go forward – Last Cursor Position the other way! Did you go too far? Don’t worry, undo your undo!
Ctrl + Shift + F – Find in all Files
Ctrl + K + C – Comment
Ctrl + K + U – Uncomment
Ctrl + / – Comment Toggle
Ctrl + Shift + R – Refactor
F12 – Goto Definition (Save time searching the code base)
Alt + Shift + Up Arrow – Duplicate line above
Alt + Shift + Down Arrow – Duplicate line below
F2 – Rename the variable name. (This won’t replace strings or comments)
Ctrl + D – Multi Cursor, Select next occurrence
Ctrl + Shift + L – Multi Cursor, Select All in File
Ctrl + P – Quick Find – Files, Etc
Why Keyboard Shortcuts Are Important for Programmers
Keyboard shortcuts are essential for programmers for several reasons:
- Improved productivity: Keyboard shortcuts allow programmers to work faster and more efficiently by minimizing the amount of time spent using the mouse or trackpad. This saves time and can help programmers complete tasks more quickly, increasing overall productivity.
- Easier navigation: Keyboard shortcuts make it easier to move around within a document or code file. For example, pressing the “Control + G” keys in many text editors will allow programmers to go to a specific line number within a file.
- Consistency: Keyboard shortcuts help to establish consistency in how tasks are completed across an organization. This can make it easier for programmers to move between different projects without having to relearn shortcuts for each project.
- Reduced strain: Repeatedly moving between the keyboard and mouse can cause physical strain on the hands, arms, and shoulders. Keyboard shortcuts minimize the amount of movement required, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
- Better focus: When using keyboard shortcuts, programmers can keep their hands on the keyboard and their eyes on the screen, allowing them to stay more focused on their work.
Overall, keyboard shortcuts are a valuable tool for programmers that can help improve productivity, consistency, and reduce physical strain while working.