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Safdar Ali
Safdar Ali

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10 essential tips to supercharge VS Code and code faster (0 to 100)

95% of developers aren't leveraging the full potential of Visual Studio Code (VS Code). This powerful tool is packed with features and hidden gems that can drastically improve your productivity and coding experience. Here are 10 essential tips to help you get the most out of VS Code:

1. Master Keyboard Shortcuts

Learning and using keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up your workflow. Key shortcuts to remember include:

  • Highlight code left & right: Shift + Left/Right

 Shift + Left/Right

  • Copy line without highlighting: Ctrl + C

Ctrl + C

  • Move line up/down: Alt + Up/Down

2. Utilize the Command Palette

The Command Palette (Ctrl + Shift + P) is a powerful tool for accessing all VS Code commands and features without leaving your keyboard. Use it to quickly perform tasks like opening files, installing extensions, and configuring settings.

3. Install Essential Extensions

VS Code extensions can enhance functionality and streamline your workflow. Essential extensions include:

  • Prettier: Automatically formats your code.
  • ESLint: Helps identify and fix JavaScript issues.
  • GitLens: Provides rich Git integration.
  • Live Server: Launches a local development server with live reload.

4. Customize Your User Interface

Make your coding environment comfortable and visually appealing:

  • Change themes: Browse and install themes from the Extensions Marketplace.
  • Customize the activity bar: Hide or reorder items in the sidebar to suit your workflow.

5. Use Snippets

Snippets are reusable pieces of code that you can insert with a shortcut. Create custom snippets or use existing ones for repetitive code patterns.

6. Leverage IntelliSense

VS Code's IntelliSense provides smart code completions based on variable types, function definitions, and imported modules. It can significantly speed up coding by reducing the amount of typing needed.

7. Split Your Workspace

Work on multiple files simultaneously by splitting the editor. You can open files side by side or in a grid layout, which is especially useful for referencing or comparing code.

8. Explore Integrated Terminal

VS Code includes an integrated terminal that allows you to run command-line tools without leaving the editor. Open it with Ctrl + ` (backtick) and customize it to suit your needs.

9. Enable Auto Save

Avoid losing your work by enabling auto-save. Go to File > Auto Save or set it in your settings to save files automatically after a delay.

10. Optimize Settings

Customize VS Code settings to match your preferences. Adjust editor settings, configure extensions, and create workspace-specific configurations to enhance your coding experience.

By incorporating these tips into your daily workflow, you'll unlock the full potential of VS Code and boost your productivity. Happy coding!

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Safdar Ali

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