1
// Command Palette - access all VS Code commands
2
// macOS: ⇧⌘P
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+P
4

5
// Once open, you can:
6
// - Type to filter commands
7
// - Use arrow keys to navigate
8
// - Press Enter to execute command
9
// - Press Escape to close
10

11
// Common command palette searches:
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// "format document" - format entire file
13
// "sort lines" - sort selected lines alphabetically
14
// "duplicate line" - duplicate current line
15
// "go to line" - jump to specific line number

1
// Quick File Switcher - jump between open files
2
// macOS: ⌘P
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+P
4

5
// Once open:
6
// - Type filename to filter
7
// - Press Enter to open file
8
// - Use arrow keys to navigate results
9
// - Press Escape to close without opening
10

11
// Tips:
12
// - Type partial filename: "app" finds "App.tsx", "app.config.ts"
13
// - Type path separators: "src/components" finds components in src
14
// - Press right arrow to open in split editor

1
// Go To Line - jump to specific line number
2
// macOS: ^G  (Control+G)
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+G
4

5
// Usage:
6
// 1. Press Ctrl+G (or ^G on Mac)
7
// 2. Type line number
8
// 3. Press Enter to jump
9
// 4. Also shows column number support: "10:5" goes to line 10, column 5
10

11
// Example file with decorators (line 25):
12
// function processData() {
13
//   const result = transform(data);     // Line 25
14
//   return result;
15
// }

1
// Go To Symbol - navigate to functions, classes, variables
2
// macOS: ⇧⌘O
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+O
4

5
// Shows all symbols in current file:
6
// - Functions
7
// - Classes
8
// - Variables
9
// - Methods
10
// - Constants
11

12
// You can also:
13
// - Type to filter symbols by name
14
// - Use @ prefix in command palette for same functionality
15
// - Group symbols by category (@:)

1
// Toggle Primary Sidebar (Explorer, Search, Debug, Extensions, SCM)
2
// macOS: ⌘B
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+B
4

5
// Sidebars in VS Code:
6
// - Explorer (⇧⌘E): File tree navigation
7
// - Search (⇧⌘F): Search across files
8
// - Debug (⇧⌘D): Debug controls and breakpoints
9
// - Extensions (⇧⌘X): Install and manage extensions
10
// - SCM (⇧^G on Mac, Ctrl+Shift+G on Windows): Git/version control
11

12
// Toggling gives more editor space when not needed
13
// Sidebar state is remembered when reopened

1
// Open Specific Sidebar Views:
2

3
// Explorer View - browse and open files
4
// macOS: ⇧⌘E
5
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+E
6

7
// Search View - find in files
8
// macOS: ⇧⌘F
9
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+F
10

11
// Debug View - manage breakpoints and debugging
12
// macOS: ⇧⌘D
13
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+D
14

15
// Source Control View - git operations
16
// macOS: ⇧^G (Shift+Control+G)
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// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+G
18

19
// Extensions View - browse and install extensions
20
// macOS: ⇧⌘X
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// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+X
22

23
// Each opens sidebar to that specific panel

1
// Toggle Bottom Panel (Terminal, Problems, Output, Debug Console)
2
// macOS: ⌘J
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+J
4

5
// Bottom panel contains:
6
// - Terminal: Run commands and scripts
7
// - Problems: Linter/compiler errors and warnings
8
// - Output: Extension and language server messages
9
// - Debug Console: Debugger output and REPL
10

11
// Panel tabs appear at bottom when open
12
// Click tabs to switch between different panels
13
// Panel height is adjustable by dragging top border

1
// Open Integrated Terminal
2
// macOS: ^` (Control+Backtick)
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+`
4

5
// The terminal:
6
// - Runs in VS Code's bottom panel
7
// - Uses your default shell (bash, zsh, PowerShell)
8
// - Maintains current working directory context
9
// - Supports multiple terminal instances
10

11
// Terminal shortcuts:
12
// - Create new terminal: Ctrl+Shift+` (Cmd+Shift+` on Mac)
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// - Switch terminals: Alt+arrow keys
14
// - Kill terminal: Ctrl+Shift+W (Cmd+Shift+W on Mac)

1
// Split Editor Horizontally (side by side)
2
// macOS: ⌘\
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+\
4

5
// Creates a new editor group to the right
6
// - Current file stays in left group
7
// - New empty group appears on right
8
// - Drag tabs between groups to move files
9
// - Close group by closing all tabs in it
10

11
// You can create multiple splits:
12
// - Up to 4 editor groups (2x2 grid)
13
// - Use keyboard shortcuts to focus each group
14
// - Drag files between groups

1
// Navigate Between Editor Groups:
2

3
// Focus left group
4
// macOS: ⌘K ⌘← (⌘K then ⌘←)
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// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+K Ctrl+←
6

7
// Focus right group
8
// macOS: ⌘K ⌘→ (⌘K then ⌘→)
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// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+K Ctrl+→
10

11
// Focus up group
12
// macOS: ⌘K ⌘↑
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// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+K Ctrl+↑
14

15
// Focus down group
16
// macOS: ⌘K ⌘↓
17
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+K Ctrl+↓
18

19
// Method: Press Ctrl+K, release, then press arrow

1
// Zen Mode - Distraction-free full-screen editing
2
// macOS: ⌘K Z (⌘K then Z)
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+K Z
4

5
// Zen mode hides:
6
// - Sidebars
7
// - Bottom panel
8
// - Status bar (optional)
9
// - Activity bar
10
// - Tab bar (optional)
11
// - Breadcrumbs (optional)
12

13
// Perfect for:
14
// - Focused writing of long functions
15
// - Deep code review sessions
16
// - Presentations or live coding
17
// - Minimizing distractions during debugging
18

19
// Exit Zen mode:
20
// - Press Ctrl+K Z again (or ⌘K Z on Mac)
21
// - Press Escape

1
// Close Unmodified Tabs and Groups
2

3
// Close unmodified tabs in current group
4
// macOS: ⌘K U
5
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+K U
6

7
// Close all tabs in current group
8
// macOS: ⌘K W
9
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+K W
10

11
// Close all editor groups
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// macOS: ⌘K ⌘W
13
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+K Ctrl+W
14

15
// Useful for cleanup and organization
16
// Only closes tabs with no unsaved changes

1
// Cut, Copy, and Paste Operations:
2

3
// Cut line (removes and copies)
4
// macOS: ⌘X
5
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+X
6

7
// Copy line (copies without removing)
8
// macOS: ⌘C
9
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+C
10

11
// Paste
12
// macOS: ⌘V
13
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+V
14

15
// Note: Works on current line even without selection
16
// Cut/copy with no selection operates on entire line
17
// Pasting multiple lines inserts them as separate lines

1
// Delete Lines
2
// macOS: ⌘⇧K
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+K
4

5
// Deletes current line or selected lines
6
// More efficient than select+delete
7
// Cursor stays at same position
8

9
// Duplicate Line Down
10
// macOS: ⌥⇧↓ (Option+Shift+Down)
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// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+D
12

13
// Creates copy of line below current line
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// Useful for:
15
// - Creating similar code patterns
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// - Testing variations
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// - Quick scaffolding
18

19
// Move Line Up/Down
20
// macOS: ⌥↑ / ⌥↓ (Option+Up/Down)
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// Windows/Linux: Alt+Up / Alt+Down
22

23
// Moves current line up or down
24
// Works with multiple selected lines

1
// Select Word at Cursor
2
// macOS: ⌘D
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+D
4

5
// Selects the word under cursor
6
// Press again to add next occurrence to selection
7
// Useful for renaming and bulk replacement
8

9
// Expand Selection to Word
10
// macOS: ⌘D (same as select word)
11
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+D
12

13
// Each subsequent press:
14
// 1. Selects current word
15
// 2. Adds next occurrence
16
// 3. Continues selecting all occurrences
17

18
// Escape to stop multi-select
19

20
// Expand Selection Bracket
21
// macOS: ⌘⇧\
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// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+\
23

24
// Selects content until matching bracket
25
// Useful for selecting entire blocks

1
// Navigate by Word
2
// macOS: ⌥← / ⌥→ (Option+Left/Right)
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Left / Ctrl+Right
4

5
// Move cursor to next word boundary
6
// Option+Left moves to start of current/previous word
7
// Option+Right moves to end of next word
8

9
// Select While Moving by Word
10
// macOS: ⌥⇧← / ⌥⇧→ (Option+Shift+Left/Right)
11
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+Left/Right
12

13
// Extends selection word by word
14
// Useful for selecting multiple words
15

16
// Jump to Line Start/End
17
// macOS: ⌘← / ⌘→ (Command+Left/Right)
18
// Windows/Linux: Home / End
19

20
// Moves cursor to start or end of line
21
// Select with Cmd+Shift+Left/Right

1
// Find in Current File
2
// macOS: ⌘F
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+F
4

5
// Opens find dialog at top of editor
6
// Features:
7
// - Type text to search
8
// - Highlights all matches in file
9
// - Shows match count
10
// - Navigate with arrow buttons or Enter
11
// - Close with Escape
12

13
// Find Options:
14
// - Match Case (⌥⌘C): Case-sensitive matching
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// - Match Whole Word (⌥⌘W): Only whole words
16
// - Use Regular Expression (⌥⌘R): Pattern matching
17

18
// Navigation:
19
// - Enter or down arrow: next match
20
// - Shift+Enter: previous match

1
// Find and Replace in Current File
2
// macOS: ⌥⌘F
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+H
4

5
// Opens find and replace dialog
6
// First field: text to find
7
// Second field: replacement text
8

9
// Replace Options:
10
// - Replace (⌘⇧1): Replace current match
11
// - Replace All (⌘⌥⇧Enter): All matches at once
12
// - Regular expressions: Enable for pattern replacement
13

14
// Example regex replace:
15
// Find: console\.log\((.*)\)
16
// Replace: console.warn($1)
17
// This changes all console.log to console.warn
18

19
// Common use cases:
20
// - Rename variables across file
21
// - Update import statements
22
// - Fix formatting issues

1
// Find in All Files (Workspace Search)
2
// macOS: ⇧⌘F
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+F
4

5
// Opens Find in Files panel
6
// Features:
7
// - Searches entire workspace
8
// - Shows results by file
9
// - Expandable file results
10
// - Click result to open file
11
// - Shows line number and match
12

13
// Scope Options:
14
// - Search in: Select folders to include
15
// - Exclude from: Specify patterns to skip
16
// - Default excludes: node_modules, .git, etc.
17

18
// Search across project:
19
// - Type search term
20
// - Results grouped by file
21
// - Results count at top
22
// - Click file to open and navigate

1
// Replace in All Files
2
// macOS: ⇧⌘H
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+H
4

5
// Opens Find and Replace in Files panel
6
// Works like Find & Replace but across workspace
7

8
// Features:
9
// - Replace single occurrence
10
// - Replace all in file
11
// - Replace all in workspace
12
// - Shows files that will be changed
13
// - Undo operates globally
14

15
// Warning: Replace All changes many files
16
// Use Replace Current first to verify
17
// Can undo entire operation if needed
18

19
// Regex support:
20
// - Enable Use Regular Expression
21
// - Use capture groups in replacement
22
// - Particularly useful with multiple files

1
// Start Debugging
2
// Key: F5
3

4
// Starts debugger using launch configuration
5
// Pauses at first breakpoint
6
// Opens Debug panel on left sidebar
7

8
// Stop Debugging
9
// Key: Shift+F5
10

11
// Terminates debug session
12
// Returns to normal editing mode
13
// Clears all breakpoints (false; they remain)
14

15
// Restart Debugging
16
// Key: Shift+Ctrl+F5 (or Cmd+Shift+F5 on Mac)
17

18
// Restarts current debug session
19
// Useful when testing changes
20
// Faster than stop and start
21

22
// Pause/Resume
23
// Click pause button or press F5 when running
24
// Pause stops execution at current line
25
// Resume continues from pause point

1
// Toggle Breakpoint
2
// Key: F9
3

4
// On current line: sets breakpoint (breaks execution)
5
// On existing breakpoint: removes it
6
// Shows red dot on line number
7
// Useful for testing specific code paths
8

9
// Conditional Breakpoint
10
// Right-click on line number and select "Add Conditional Breakpoint"
11
// Express condition that line must satisfy to break
12
// Example: i > 100  (breaks when i > 100)
13
// Useful for skipping many iterations
14

15
// Logpoint (Log Without Breaking)
16
// Right-click on line number and select "Add Logpoint"
17
// Message logged to console without breaking execution
18
// Useful for tracing values without stopping
19
// Example: "Current value: {value}"
20

21
// Breakpoint Widgets:
22
// - View all breakpoints in Debug panel
23
// - Enable/disable without removing
24
// - Click to navigate to breakpoint location

1
// Step Over (Execute Line, Don't Enter Functions)
2
// Key: F10
3

4
// Executes current line completely
5
// If line calls function, executes entire function
6
// Moves to next line in current function
7
// Best for skipping internal function details
8

9
// Step Into (Enter Function Calls)
10
// Key: F11
11

12
// Steps into function calls on current line
13
// Pauses at first line inside function
14
// Allows detailed inspection of function
15
// Use multiple times to dive deeper
16

17
// Step Out (Exit Current Function)
18
// Key: Shift+F11
19

20
// Executes rest of current function
21
// Pauses at return point in calling function
22
// Useful when already inside wrong function
23
// Brings you back up call stack
24

25
// Continue (Run to Next Breakpoint)
26
// Press F5 while paused
27
// Resumes execution
28
// Runs until next breakpoint or end

1
// Debug Console
2
// Key: Shift+Ctrl+Y (or Cmd+Shift+Y on Mac)
3

4
// Shows program output and allows REPL
5
// Type expressions to evaluate while paused
6
// View console.log() output here
7

8
// Variables View (Debug Sidebar)
9
// Shows variables in current scope
10
// Local variables: scoped to current function
11
// Global variables: workspace-wide variables
12
// Expand objects to inspect properties
13

14
// Watch Expressions
15
// Add custom expressions to watch
16
// Right-click variable and "Add to Watch"
17
// Or add expression manually to Watch panel
18
// Updates after each step
19

20
// Hover Over Variables
21
// Mouse over variable in editor while paused
22
// Shows current value in tooltip
23
// Works for object properties too
24
// Useful while reading code

1
// Add Cursor Below
2
// macOS: ⌥⌘↓
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Alt+Down
4

5
// Creates new cursor on next line at same column
6
// Repeated presses add more cursors below
7
// Useful for parallel editing of multiple lines
8
// All cursors type/edit simultaneously
9

10
// Add Cursor Above
11
// macOS: ⌥⌘↑
12
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Alt+Up
13

14
// Creates new cursor on previous line at same column
15
// Works upward from current position
16
// Useful for editing multiple similar lines together
17

18
// Example use case:
19
// const name = "John";
20
// const age = 30;
21
// const city = "NYC";
22

23
// Add cursors at start of each line
24
// Edit all variable names simultaneously

1
// Select All Occurrences
2
// macOS: ⌘⇧L  (not standard, need to enable)
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+L
4

5
// Adds cursor at each occurrence of selected text
6
// Selects the text at each cursor
7
// Allows bulk renaming or editing
8

9
// Alternative: Ctrl+D for incremental selection
10
// macOS: ⌘D
11
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+D
12

13
// Each press:
14
// 1. Selects current word
15
// 2. Adds next occurrence
16
// 3. Continues until all selected
17

18
// Example workflow:
19
// 1. Select a word (double-click or Ctrl+D)
20
// 2. Press Ctrl+Shift+L to select all
21
// 3. Type replacement text
22
// 4. All instances updated simultaneously

1
// Go To Definition
2
// Key: F12
3

4
// Opens file and scrolls to function/variable definition
5
// Requires language server support
6
// Works for:
7
// - User-defined functions
8
// - Class methods
9
// - Variable declarations
10
// - Imported definitions
11

12
// Peek Definition
13
// macOS: ⌥F12
14
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Alt+F12
15

16
// Shows definition in inline preview
17
// Doesn't open new file
18
// Shows code without navigating
19
// Press Escape to close preview
20

21
// Back Navigation
22
// macOS: ⌃- (Control+Minus/Dash)
23
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Alt+Left
24

25
// Goes back to previous location
26
// Maintains navigation history
27
// Useful after multiple jumps

1
// Go To References
2
// Key: Shift+F12
3

4
// Shows all places where function/variable is used
5
// Opens References panel
6
// Lists all usages across codebase
7
// Click to navigate to each usage
8

9
// Peek References
10
// Right-click on symbol > "Peek References"
11
// Shows references in inline view
12
// Similar to Peek Definition
13
// Close with Escape
14

15
// Find All References (Command Palette)
16
// Command: "Go to All References"
17
// Shows references in split view
18
// More detailed than Peek References
19

20
// Use cases:
21
// - Find where function is called
22
// - Check variable usage before renaming
23
// - Understand code dependencies
24
// - Locate dead code

1
// Quick Fix
2
// macOS: ⌘.
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+.
4

5
// Shows available fixes for error/warning at cursor
6
// Common fixes include:
7
// - Import missing module
8
// - Add missing parameter
9
// - Create missing variable
10
// - Generate method stub
11
// - Format code
12

13
// Trigger automatically:
14
// Light bulb icon appears when fixes available
15
// Click bulb or use Ctrl+. shortcut
16
// Select fix from menu
17

18
// Available for:
19
// - Syntax errors with solutions
20
// - Linter/formatter suggestions
21
// - Language-specific refactoring
22
// - Extension-provided actions
23

24
// Common fixes:
25
// - "Add missing import" - automatic import
26
// - "Generate method" - stub out function
27
// - "Fix capitalization" - correct case
28
// - "Convert var to let" - modernize code

1
// Refactoring Actions
2
// Use Ctrl+. (Cmd+. on Mac) on selection
3

4
// Available refactorings (TypeScript/JavaScript):
5
// - Extract Variable: Extract expression to variable
6
// - Extract Function: Extract lines to new function
7
// - Extract Interface: Extract type to interface
8
// - Move Statements: Move code block to different location
9
// - Rename Symbol: Rename with occurrences updated
10
// - Generate getter/setter: Create property accessors
11
// - Convert to async: Convert function to async/await
12
// - Add/remove braces: Formatting changes
13

14
// Example: Extract Variable
15
// Highlight: calculateTotal(price * quantity + tax)
16
// Quick Fix > Extract Variable
17
// Creates: const extracted = price * quantity + tax;
18

19
// Example: Extract Function
20
// Select multiple lines
21
// Quick Fix > Extract to Function
22
// Creates function with extracted code

1
// Open Extensions Sidebar
2
// macOS: ⇧⌘X
3
// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+X
4

5
// Shows VS Code Extensions Marketplace
6
// Features:
7
// - Search for extensions by name
8
// - Shows ratings and downloads
9
// - Install with single click
10
// - View extension details and reviews
11
// - See installed extensions
12

13
// Install Extension:
14
// 1. Click Extensions icon in sidebar
15
// 2. Search for extension name
16
// 3. Click Install button
17
// 4. Wait for installation (usually instant)
18
// 5. May need reload for activation
19

20
// Manage Installed Extensions:
21
// - Disable: Turn off without uninstalling
22
// - Uninstall: Remove completely
23
// - Settings: Configure extension options
24
// - Show in Marketplace: View extension page

1
// Extension Settings
2
// Extended settings for installed extensions appear in:
3
// - Settings > Extensions section
4
// - Right-click extension > Extension Settings
5
// - Edit in settings.json
6

7
// Common Extension Types:
8
// - Language Support: Syntax highlighting, IntelliSense
9
// - Formatters: Code formatting and beautification
10
// - Linters: Code quality and style checking
11
// - Debuggers: Language-specific debugging
12
// - Themes: Visual appearance customization
13
// - Keybindings: Alternative keyboard layouts
14
// - Snippets: Code templates and shortcuts
15

16
// Recommended Essential Extensions:
17
// - Language Support: TypeScript, Python, Go, Rust
18
// - Formatters: Prettier, Pylint
19
// - Linters: ESLint, Pylint
20
// - Version Control: GitHub, GitLens
21
// - Debug: Debugger for Chrome, Python
22
// - Productivity: REST Client, Thunder Client
23
// - Snippets: Popular languages have snippet packs
24

25
// Performance:
26
// - Disable unused extensions
27
// - Check extension page for performance notes
28
// - Some extensions slow startup