Picture this. You are neck deep in a Python project debugging, scrolling, copying code, and renaming methods and/or variables like your life depends on it. Then suddenly, you stop and realize “Wait.. Hold on … am I doing this the slow way? There has to be a better way…” 🤯
That was me until I discovered the magical world of VS Code shortcuts. And no, I’m not just talking about Ctrl+S and Ctrl+C. I mean the clever and real time saving hacks that folks use without even thinking.
So sit back, grab your coffee ☕, and let’s unlock some serious efficiency. Here are 10 VS Code shortcuts that I am sure will make you feel like a Python ninja 🐍 (albeit minus the black outfit unless that’s your thing).
1. 🔁 Multi-Cursor Madness: Alt + Click
Want to rename a variable in 6 places? No need to scroll up and down like a lost soul.
Just hold Alt and click wherever you want the cursors. Now type once, and boom — changes everywhere. Feels like magic. 🎩✨
2. 🪄 Quick Rename: F2
Don’t manually change that function name in 10 places. Just click on the name, hit F2, rename it once, and VS Code updates it everywhere in the file.
Pure genius & laziness.
3. ✂️ Cut the Whole Line: Ctrl + X (without selecting!)
Ctrl + X cuts the entire line if nothing is selected?
4. 🎯 Go to Definition: F12
Right-clicking > Go to Definition? Please. Just hit F12 and teleport straight to the function/class/variable definition like you’re in Python Hogwarts. 🧙♂️
5. 🔍 Find All Matches: Ctrl + F, then Alt + Enter
Ctrl + F is basic. But after finding, hit Alt + Enter. It selects all matches so you can edit them in one go. Perfect for bulk renaming or fixing typos.
Saves hours, especially in spaghetti code 🍝
6. ⬆️⬇️ Move Code Up or Down: Alt + ↑ / ↓
Want to move a line or block of code without cutting/pasting like it’s 2003?
Just Alt + ↑ or Alt + ↓. Line shifts up or down, no mess, no stress.
7. 🔀 Select Same Words: Ctrl + D
Click a variable, hit Ctrl + D, and keep tapping it. It selects the next same word each time — like “select Pokémon, but for variables.” 😂
Great when you want to rename things quickly and safely.
8. 🧹 Auto-Format Everything: Shift + Alt + F
Code looking like it just came out of a blender? Hit Shift + Alt + F.
Your code is now clean, spaced, and pretty. Like it just went to a spa.
9. 🧭 Command Palette: Ctrl + Shift + P
Think of this as your VS Code GPS. Want to change theme, run a script, or enable a formatter? Just Ctrl + Shift + P and search it like Google.
It’s the Swiss Army knife of productivity. 🔧
10. 📂 Quick File Switch: Ctrl + P
Need to jump to a file but forgot where it was? Ctrl + P opens a fuzzy finder.
Type a few letters of the filename and boom — VS Code serves it hot like garam chai (steaming tea). ☕
Bonus: 🧠 Zen Mode: Ctrl + K Z
Too many distractions? Go full Zen. Hide the sidebars, bottom bar, everything.
