Quick VS Code tips

A few simple bits that might actually be helpful, hopefully not just loads of useless things to remember.

Finding things

Rather than look through the folders or use the search in the sidebar, use the file search at the top of the screen. Bring it up with Ctrl + P.

You can now search file names with fuzzy matching. You can also search symbols (variable and function names) by prepending @. You can also search for text in any file by prepending #.

Once you get used to it, it's faster because you can search without knowing the tree.

Navigating

The breadcrumb trail doesn't just show you where you are. Clicking any of the elements in the path lists its siblings, including the symbols. Clicking any of these takes you straight to them. It should be easy to turn on in settings if you're not seeing it above your code.

Go to a line in the current file using Ctrl + G. Type the line number, hit Enter. Alternatively, Ctrl + P to open the search, then : followed by your line number. You can also do column number with a second colon, e.g. :1:123, possibly useful to check minified code.

VS Code remembers where you had the cursor in your code. You can retrace your steps with Alt + left arrow, or go forwards again with Alt + right arrow. It's

If you see a symbol in code you can go to its definition by having the cursor anywhere on its name (doesn't have to be highlighted) and pressing F12.

Code editing

You can move a line of code up or down. If you press Alt + up/down keys the line with the cursor will move. This is particularly handy for rearranging list items - much faster than cut/paste or drag as you don't need to select the text. You can also highlight a whole block and move this up or down a line.

You can edit multiple occurrences of the same text at once. Highlight the first occurrence, then holding down Ctrl press D to select the next occurrence until you've got them all. You can then edit all occurrences with multiple cursors.

Well worth a play if you've got a few minutes.