Writing code can be a very time-consuming process and finding ways to be more productive is typically welcomed by professional programmers. While many new programmers are anxious to learn their language of choice, few spend any time learning about the Interactive Development Environment or IDE they are using to write their code.
Programmers can increase productivity by taking advantage of the many keyboard shortcuts that are built into their IDE or editor of choice. Many IDE’s are designed to work on any platform and makes learning them that much more valuable. In this context, choosing the right IDE can be just as important to your productivity as knowing the language itself.
A short list of the primary IDE’s I use includes:
Microsoft: Visual Studio 2017 (C, C#, C++),- ActiveState: Komodo IDE (TCL/Tk),
- JetBrains:
- CLion (C++),
- PyCharm Professional (Python),
- IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate (Java),
- PhpStorm (PHP),
- RubyMine (Ruby),
- NetBeans IDE: NetBeans (Java).
Most of you reading this are likely familiar with the more common key combinations such as <Ctrl>+<s> to save a file, <Ctrl>+<c> to copy highlighted text, or <Ctrl>+<v> to paste text. Many IDE providers have developed key combinations that provide much more functionality than typically offered by primitive text editors. Extended features may range from basic editing and code navigation to code selection, code completion, code generation, code refactoring, and so much more.
Visual Studio 2017 (Microsoft), Komodo IDE (ActiveState), IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate and PyCharm (JetBrains) are just a few examples of IDE’s where key combinations exist to perform a wide variety of tasks. Also knowing certain shortcuts that can be used while entering code can save a significant amount of time.
A premium IDE is well worth the investment in both money and the time required to learn it. Extending IDE functionality to include automated code generation, code formatting, import optimization, and support for version control systems are just some of the reasons for using a premium IDE.
Once you discover the key combinations that are available to you, remembering them will be the next challenge. Practice makes perfect and the more often you use them, the more likely it is that you will remember them.
If you’re accustomed to working with your mouse when navigating the menu options inside your IDE, make note of the keyboard shortcut that may appear next to the menu option you are using as pictured in this CLion IDE drop-down menu. If not this time, perhaps it may be worth trying the next time you find yourself reaching for the mouse to perform a task.
Aside from attempting to remember everything you read in the documentation, you can also perform a simple Google Search for “Cheat Sheets” on the language of your choice. You will quickly discover that you are not alone when it comes to memorizing keyboard shortcuts and you will be presented with a vast array of options that are best suited for you and your specific IDE.
Increase your productivity and take advantage of all the power at your fingertips. You will save yourself a tremendous amount of time and effort writing your code and developing your application. By learning all there is to know about your IDE of choice, you may surprise yourself to see how much time you can save using a simple key combination that you never knew existed.
Until Next Time – STAY lean!
Related Content
- IntelliJ IDEA 2017.2: Keyboard Shortcuts You Cannot Miss
- IntelliJ IDEA: Getting Started with IntelliJ IDEA by Hudson Orsine Assumpcao (October 2013 – Published By Packt Publishing Inc.)
- ISBN 978-1-84969-961-7
- IntelliJ IDEA: IntelliJ IDEA Essentials by Jaroslaw Krochmalski (December 2014 – Published By Packt Publishing Inc.)
- ISBN 978-1-78439-693-0
- Visual Studio (2015): Professional Visual Studio 2015 1st Edition by Bruce Johnson (Published By John Wiley & Sons Inc.)
- ISBN 978-1-119-06805,
- ISBN 978-1-119-06791-7 (e-book)