---
title: "VS Code"
lang: "en"
author: "Mohammad Abu Mattar"
canonical: https://mkabumattar.com/vscode
---

[Home](/)›[Cheatsheets](/cheatsheets)

Cheatsheets

# VS Code

Complete VS Code keyboard shortcuts reference including command palette, navigation, editing, debugging, multicursor operations, and advanced features for macOS and Windows/Linux

9 Categories16 Sections32 ExamplesPublished: 01 Jan 2024Updated: 28 Feb 2026

VS CodeVisual Studio CodeKeyboard ShortcutsEditorDevelopmentProductivity

[Markdown for AI(opens in a new tab)](/vscode/index.md "Open the plain-Markdown version of this page, for pasting into an AI tool")

Series

[Developer Environment & Tooling](/series/developer-environment--tooling)5/6

[PreviousVim](/cheatsheets/vim)[NextPython Virtual Environments Cheatsheet](/cheatsheets/python-venv)

All posts in this series (6)

Cheatsheets6

1.  [Git](/cheatsheets/git)
2.  [Screen](/cheatsheets/screen)
3.  [Tmux](/cheatsheets/tmux)
4.  [Vim](/cheatsheets/vim)
5.  [VS CodeYou are here](/cheatsheets/vscode)
6.  [Python Virtual Environments Cheatsheet](/cheatsheets/python-venv)

A quick reference for Visual Studio Code: keyboard shortcuts, editor features, and working habits for editing and navigation.

[Command Palette & Navigation](#category-command-palette-navigation)

-   [Command Palette](#section-command-palette)
-   [Go To Line and Symbol](#section-go-to-line)

[Sidebars & Views](#category-sidebars-views)

-   [Toggle Sidebars and Panels](#section-toggle-sidebars)
-   [Bottom Panel and Terminal](#section-bottom-panel)

[Editor Management](#category-editor-management)

-   [Split Editors](#section-split-editors)
-   [Zen Mode](#section-zen-mode)

[Text Editing](#category-text-editing)

-   [Line Operations](#section-line-operations)
-   [Selection and Navigation](#section-selection-navigation)

[Find & Replace](#category-find-replace)

-   [Find and Replace](#section-find-replace-basic)
-   [Find in Files and Workspace](#section-find-in-files)

[Debugging](#category-debugging)

-   [Debug Control and Breakpoints](#section-debug-control)
-   [Debug Stepping](#section-debug-stepping)

[Multi-Cursor & Selection](#category-multi-cursor-selection)

-   [Multi-Cursor Editing](#section-multi-cursor-operations)

[Advanced Features](#category-advanced-features)

-   [Go to Definition and References](#section-goto-definition)
-   [Code Actions and Quick Fixes](#section-code-actions)

[Extension Management](#category-extension-management)

-   [Installing and Managing Extensions](#section-extension-operations)

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## Command Palette & Navigation

Quick access to commands, files, and navigation features

### Command Palette

Access all VS Code commands with keyboard shortcuts

#### Accessibility

Clear access to all VS Code commands and features

#### Best Practices

-   Use command palette for infrequently used features
-   Assign custom shortcuts for commands you use daily
-   Remember common shortcuts to reduce reliance on palette
-   Use ⌘P for file switching in large projects

#### Common Errors

-   **Cannot find command:** Check spelling or use partial name; command may require extension

#### Keywords

commandpalettequickopenfilter

[Learn more](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/getstarted/userinterface)

#### Open command palette

The command palette provides instant access to every VS Code command. Filter by typing the command name and press Enter to execute.

Code

```
1// Command Palette - access all VS Code commands2// macOS: ⇧⌘P3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+P4
5// Once open, you can:6// - Type to filter commands7// - Use arrow keys to navigate8// - Press Enter to execute command9// - Press Escape to close10
11// Common command palette searches:12// "format document" - format entire file13// "sort lines" - sort selected lines alphabetically14// "duplicate line" - duplicate current line15// "go to line" - jump to specific line number
```

-   Reaches every VS Code command, including ones with no menu entry
-   Faster than menu navigation for most tasks
-   Shows keyboard shortcuts for commands you use frequently
-   Can customize and assign commands to keyboard shortcuts

#### Quick file switcher

Quickly switch between open files by searching filename. Faster than clicking tabs for projects with many open files.

Code

```
1// Quick File Switcher - jump between open files2// macOS: ⌘P3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+P4
5// Once open:6// - Type filename to filter7// - Press Enter to open file8// - Use arrow keys to navigate results9// - Press Escape to close without opening10
11// Tips:12// - Type partial filename: "app" finds "App.tsx", "app.config.ts"13// - Type path separators: "src/components" finds components in src14// - Press right arrow to open in split editor
```

-   Shows recently opened files first
-   Highlights matching characters in filename
-   Works with dirty (unsaved) files
-   Useful for multi-file editing workflows

### Go To Line and Symbol

Navigate to specific lines and code symbols

#### Accessibility

Quick navigation to specific code locations

#### Best Practices

-   Use Ctrl+G for error line navigation
-   Use Ctrl+Shift+O to understand file structure
-   Combine symbol navigation with breadcrumbs

#### Common Errors

-   **No symbols found:** Language may not have symbol support; use Ctrl+G for line number instead

#### Keywords

gotolinesymboljumpnavigate

[Learn more](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/codebasics)

#### Go to line number

Go to line command instantly jumps to any line number in the current file, useful for navigating large files based on error messages.

Code

```
1// Go To Line - jump to specific line number2// macOS: ^G  (Control+G)3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+G4
5// Usage:6// 1. Press Ctrl+G (or ^G on Mac)7// 2. Type line number8// 3. Press Enter to jump9// 4. Also shows column number support: "10:5" goes to line 10, column 510
11// Example file with decorators (line 25):12// function processData() {13//   const result = transform(data);     // Line 2514//   return result;15// }
```

-   Useful when an error message references a line number
-   Can include column number: 'line:column'
-   Faster than scrolling or searching
-   Works in any file type

#### Go to symbol in file

Navigate to any function, class, or variable definition in the current file using fuzzy search.

Code

```
1// Go To Symbol - navigate to functions, classes, variables2// macOS: ⇧⌘O3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+O4
5// Shows all symbols in current file:6// - Functions7// - Classes8// - Variables9// - Methods10// - Constants11
12// You can also:13// - Type to filter symbols by name14// - Use @ prefix in command palette for same functionality15// - Group symbols by category (@:)
```

-   Shows symbol outline and hierarchy
-   Can type to filter results quickly
-   Works with all code languages
-   Requires language server support for best results

## Sidebars & Views

Access and control VS Code sidebars and view panels

### Toggle Sidebars and Panels

Show and hide explorer, search, debug, and source control panels

#### Accessibility

Easy access to sidebar panels for file exploration and debugging

#### Best Practices

-   Toggle sidebar frequently to maximize editing space
-   Jump directly to needed view with specific shortcut
-   Learn shortcuts for views you use most

#### Common Errors

-   **Shortcut opens wrong sidebar:** Check keyboard preferences; shortcuts may conflict with other applications

#### Keywords

sidebarpaneltoggleexplorersearch

[Learn more](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/getstarted/userinterface)

#### Toggle primary sidebar

Toggle the primary sidebar visibility to gain more editor space. Sidebar reopens when toggled again.

Code

```
1// Toggle Primary Sidebar (Explorer, Search, Debug, Extensions, SCM)2// macOS: ⌘B3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+B4
5// Sidebars in VS Code:6// - Explorer (⇧⌘E): File tree navigation7// - Search (⇧⌘F): Search across files8// - Debug (⇧⌘D): Debug controls and breakpoints9// - Extensions (⇧⌘X): Install and manage extensions10// - SCM (⇧^G on Mac, Ctrl+Shift+G on Windows): Git/version control11
12// Toggling gives more editor space when not needed13// Sidebar state is remembered when reopened
```

-   Toggle it off when you need the full editor width
-   Individual panels show different views
-   Sidebar width is adjustable
-   Can open multiple sidebars simultaneously

#### Open specific sidebar views

Direct keyboard shortcuts to jump to specific sidebar views without navigating through tabs.

Code

```
1// Open Specific Sidebar Views:2
3// Explorer View - browse and open files4// macOS: ⇧⌘E5// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+E6
7// Search View - find in files8// macOS: ⇧⌘F9// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+F10
11// Debug View - manage breakpoints and debugging12// macOS: ⇧⌘D13// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+D14
15// Source Control View - git operations16// macOS: ⇧^G (Shift+Control+G)17// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+G18
19// Extensions View - browse and install extensions20// macOS: ⇧⌘X21// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+X22
23// Each opens sidebar to that specific panel
```

-   Faster than clicking sidebar icons
-   Automatically focuses the sidebar
-   Repeated press toggles sidebar closed
-   Each view maintains its scroll position

### Bottom Panel and Terminal

Manage the bottom panel for terminal, problems, debug console

#### Accessibility

Control bottom panel for terminal and diagnostic information

#### Best Practices

-   Use integrated terminal for quick commands
-   Create separate terminals for long-running processes
-   Use multiple terminals for parallel work

#### Common Errors

-   **Terminal shows wrong shell:** Change default shell in VS Code settings (terminal.integrated.defaultProfile.linux/osx/windows)

#### Keywords

panelterminalproblemsconsoleoutput

[Learn more](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/integrated-terminal)

#### Toggle bottom panel

Toggle the bottom panel to show/hide terminal and diagnostic information, giving more vertical editor space.

Code

```
1// Toggle Bottom Panel (Terminal, Problems, Output, Debug Console)2// macOS: ⌘J3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+J4
5// Bottom panel contains:6// - Terminal: Run commands and scripts7// - Problems: Linter/compiler errors and warnings8// - Output: Extension and language server messages9// - Debug Console: Debugger output and REPL10
11// Panel tabs appear at bottom when open12// Click tabs to switch between different panels13// Panel height is adjustable by dragging top border
```

-   Terminal persists when panel is hidden
-   Multiple terminal tabs supported
-   Problem panel shows all errors/warnings across workspace
-   Commonly toggled during focused editing

#### Open terminal

Quickly open the integrated terminal within VS Code instead of switching to external terminal application.

Code

```
1// Open Integrated Terminal2// macOS: ^` (Control+Backtick)3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+`4
5// The terminal:6// - Runs in VS Code's bottom panel7// - Uses your default shell (bash, zsh, PowerShell)8// - Maintains current working directory context9// - Supports multiple terminal instances10
11// Terminal shortcuts:12// - Create new terminal: Ctrl+Shift+` (Cmd+Shift+` on Mac)13// - Switch terminals: Alt+arrow keys14// - Kill terminal: Ctrl+Shift+W (Cmd+Shift+W on Mac)
```

-   Terminal is part of VS Code workflow
-   Support for multiple tabs in terminal
-   Remembers last directory and text
-   Can split terminals side-by-side

## Editor Management

Manage splits, tabs, and editor groups

### Split Editors

Open files side-by-side in split view

#### Accessibility

Arrange editors for side-by-side comparison and parallel editing

#### Best Practices

-   Use splits for comparing implementations or files
-   Arrange splits to minimize head turning
-   Close unused groups to regain editor width

#### Common Errors

-   **Focus not changing between groups:** Remember to release Ctrl+K before pressing arrow key; must be two separate key presses

#### Keywords

spliteditorgroupsside-by-sidecompare

[Learn more](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/editor-groups)

#### Split editor horizontally

Split the editor horizontally to view and edit two files side-by-side, useful for comparing implementations or referencing code.

Code

```
1// Split Editor Horizontally (side by side)2// macOS: ⌘\3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+\4
5// Creates a new editor group to the right6// - Current file stays in left group7// - New empty group appears on right8// - Drag tabs between groups to move files9// - Close group by closing all tabs in it10
11// You can create multiple splits:12// - Up to 4 editor groups (2x2 grid)13// - Use keyboard shortcuts to focus each group14// - Drag files between groups
```

-   Can create multiple splits for complex workflows
-   Resize splits by dragging dividers
-   Each group maintains independent scroll position
-   Recommended for comparing related files

#### Navigate between editor groups

Navigate focus between multiple editor groups when using split editors for organized code comparison.

Code

```
1// Navigate Between Editor Groups:2
3// Focus left group4// macOS: ⌘K ⌘← (⌘K then ⌘←)5// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+K Ctrl+←6
7// Focus right group8// macOS: ⌘K ⌘→ (⌘K then ⌘→)9// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+K Ctrl+→10
11// Focus up group12// macOS: ⌘K ⌘↑13// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+K Ctrl+↑14
15// Focus down group16// macOS: ⌘K ⌘↓17// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+K Ctrl+↓18
19// Method: Press Ctrl+K, release, then press arrow
```

-   Ctrl+K is the group focus modifier key
-   Release Ctrl+K before pressing the arrow key
-   Tab order follows physical layout (left, right, up, down)
-   Focus determines where new files open

### Zen Mode

Full-screen editing with minimal UI

#### Accessibility

Distraction-free editing mode for focused work

#### Best Practices

-   Use Zen mode for long writing sessions
-   Close unmodified tabs regularly
-   Combine multiple view shortcuts for custom workflow

#### Common Errors

-   **Cannot exit Zen mode:** Press Ctrl+K Z again or press Escape to exit

#### Keywords

zenfocusfullscreendistractionminimalist

[Learn more](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/zen)

#### Toggle Zen mode

Enter distraction-free editing mode showing only your code, useful for focused work on complex problems.

Code

```
1// Zen Mode - Distraction-free full-screen editing2// macOS: ⌘K Z (⌘K then Z)3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+K Z4
5// Zen mode hides:6// - Sidebars7// - Bottom panel8// - Status bar (optional)9// - Activity bar10// - Tab bar (optional)11// - Breadcrumbs (optional)12
13// Perfect for:14// - Focused writing of long functions15// - Deep code review sessions16// - Presentations or live coding17// - Minimizing distractions during debugging18
19// Exit Zen mode:20// - Press Ctrl+K Z again (or ⌘K Z on Mac)21// - Press Escape
```

-   Preserves window layout when exiting
-   Can configure what gets hidden in settings
-   Toggling again exits immediately
-   Often used for live coding presentations

#### Close unmodified tabs

Quickly close unedited tabs to reduce clutter and keep your workspace organized.

Code

```
1// Close Unmodified Tabs and Groups2
3// Close unmodified tabs in current group4// macOS: ⌘K U5// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+K U6
7// Close all tabs in current group8// macOS: ⌘K W9// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+K W10
11// Close all editor groups12// macOS: ⌘K ⌘W13// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+K Ctrl+W14
15// Useful for cleanup and organization16// Only closes tabs with no unsaved changes
```

-   Prevents accidental closing of modified files
-   Only affects current editor group
-   Useful after large refactoring sessions

## Text Editing

Core editing shortcuts for text manipulation

### Line Operations

Cut, copy, paste, and manipulate lines

#### Accessibility

Essential text editing shortcuts for rapid code changes

#### Best Practices

-   Use ⌘X instead of select+cut; it acts on the whole line
-   Duplicate lines for quick scaffolding
-   Move lines instead of cut/paste

#### Common Errors

-   **Line moved to unexpected position:** Check that correct line is selected; move operates on line(s) containing cursor

#### Keywords

cutcopypastedeletelineundo

[Learn more](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/codebasics)

#### Cut, copy, and paste

Basic editing operations. Cut and copy without selection manipulate entire lines automatically.

Code

```
1// Cut, Copy, and Paste Operations:2
3// Cut line (removes and copies)4// macOS: ⌘X5// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+X6
7// Copy line (copies without removing)8// macOS: ⌘C9// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+C10
11// Paste12// macOS: ⌘V13// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+V14
15// Note: Works on current line even without selection16// Cut/copy with no selection operates on entire line17// Pasting multiple lines inserts them as separate lines
```

-   No need to select entire line for cut/copy
-   Cursor position determines which line
-   Works with multiple selections
-   Clipboard shared with system

#### Delete and duplicate lines

Line manipulation shortcuts that act on the current line without an explicit selection.

Code

```
1// Delete Lines2// macOS: ⌘⇧K3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+K4
5// Deletes current line or selected lines6// More efficient than select+delete7// Cursor stays at same position8
9// Duplicate Line Down10// macOS: ⌥⇧↓ (Option+Shift+Down)11// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+D12
13// Creates copy of line below current line14// Useful for:15// - Creating similar code patterns16// - Testing variations17// - Quick scaffolding18
19// Move Line Up/Down20// macOS: ⌥↑ / ⌥↓ (Option+Up/Down)21// Windows/Linux: Alt+Up / Alt+Down22
23// Moves current line up or down24// Works with multiple selected lines
```

-   Delete line doesn't copy to clipboard
-   Duplicate line doesn't affect cursor column
-   Move line preserves indentation
-   Works with multiple selected lines

### Selection and Navigation

Select text and navigate within files

#### Accessibility

Efficient text selection and cursor movement

#### Best Practices

-   Learn word navigation; it covers more ground than arrow keys
-   Use selection with navigation for bulk editing
-   Combine with multiple cursors to edit several lines at once

#### Common Errors

-   **Selection not working as expected:** Hold Shift while navigating with Ctrl+arrows to extend selection

#### Keywords

selectselectionwordnavigatearrowexpand

[Learn more](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/codebasics)

#### Select word and expand selection

Quickly select and modify all occurrences of a word without regex or find/replace dialog.

Code

```
1// Select Word at Cursor2// macOS: ⌘D3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+D4
5// Selects the word under cursor6// Press again to add next occurrence to selection7// Useful for renaming and bulk replacement8
9// Expand Selection to Word10// macOS: ⌘D (same as select word)11// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+D12
13// Each subsequent press:14// 1. Selects current word15// 2. Adds next occurrence16// 3. Continues selecting all occurrences17
18// Escape to stop multi-select19
20// Expand Selection Bracket21// macOS: ⌘⇧\22// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+\23
24// Selects content until matching bracket25// Useful for selecting entire blocks
```

-   Each press selects the next occurrence
-   Good for renaming a variable throughout a file
-   Faster than find and replace for simple cases
-   Escape key clears multi-selection

#### Move cursor by word and line

Move through code word by word and line by line instead of holding the arrow keys.

Code

```
1// Navigate by Word2// macOS: ⌥← / ⌥→ (Option+Left/Right)3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Left / Ctrl+Right4
5// Move cursor to next word boundary6// Option+Left moves to start of current/previous word7// Option+Right moves to end of next word8
9// Select While Moving by Word10// macOS: ⌥⇧← / ⌥⇧→ (Option+Shift+Left/Right)11// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+Left/Right12
13// Extends selection word by word14// Useful for selecting multiple words15
16// Jump to Line Start/End17// macOS: ⌘← / ⌘→ (Command+Left/Right)18// Windows/Linux: Home / End19
20// Moves cursor to start or end of line21// Select with Cmd+Shift+Left/Right
```

-   Word navigation respects camelCase and underscores
-   Ctrl+Left/Right is faster than individual arrow keys
-   Selection shortcuts extend with Shift
-   Home/End keys for line boundaries on Windows/Linux

## Find & Replace

Search and replace text in files and workspace

### Find and Replace

Basic find and replace operations in current file

#### Accessibility

Quick find and replace within single files

#### Best Practices

-   Use Match Case for case-sensitive replacements
-   Preview single replacements before Replace All
-   Learn regex for complex replacements

#### Common Errors

-   **Replace All changes unexpected text:** Enable Match Case or Whole Word if needed; test with Find first

#### Keywords

findreplacesearchtextfile

[Learn more](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/find-and-replace)

#### Find text in current file

Search for text within current file with highlighting and count of matches found.

Code

```
1// Find in Current File2// macOS: ⌘F3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+F4
5// Opens find dialog at top of editor6// Features:7// - Type text to search8// - Highlights all matches in file9// - Shows match count10// - Navigate with arrow buttons or Enter11// - Close with Escape12
13// Find Options:14// - Match Case (⌥⌘C): Case-sensitive matching15// - Match Whole Word (⌥⌘W): Only whole words16// - Use Regular Expression (⌥⌘R): Pattern matching17
18// Navigation:19// - Enter or down arrow: next match20// - Shift+Enter: previous match
```

-   Matches are highlighted in the editor
-   Current match has different highlighting
-   Find dialog is non-modal; you can still edit
-   Search results update as you type

#### Find and replace in current file

Search and replace text in current file with options for exact and pattern-based matching.

Code

```
1// Find and Replace in Current File2// macOS: ⌥⌘F3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+H4
5// Opens find and replace dialog6// First field: text to find7// Second field: replacement text8
9// Replace Options:10// - Replace (⌘⇧1): Replace current match11// - Replace All (⌘⌥⇧Enter): All matches at once12// - Regular expressions: Enable for pattern replacement13
14// Example regex replace:15// Find: console\.log\((.*)\)16// Replace: console.warn($1)17// This changes all console.log to console.warn18
19// Common use cases:20// - Rename variables across file21// - Update import statements22// - Fix formatting issues
```

-   Replace All is dangerous; preview changes first
-   Can use regex with capture groups ($1, $2, etc.)
-   Undo works on all replacements
-   Case sensitivity and whole word options available

### Find in Files and Workspace

Search across multiple files in workspace

#### Accessibility

Search entire workspace for text patterns

#### Best Practices

-   Always test Find before Replace All
-   Use exclude patterns to skip unneeded folders
-   Verify regex replacements on small sets first

#### Common Errors

-   **Replaced wrong files across workspace:** Use git to revert; always commit before large workspace replacements

#### Keywords

workspacefilessearchglobalfindall

[Learn more](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/find-and-replace)

#### Find in all files

Search for text across entire workspace showing results grouped by file and line number.

Code

```
1// Find in All Files (Workspace Search)2// macOS: ⇧⌘F3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+F4
5// Opens Find in Files panel6// Features:7// - Searches entire workspace8// - Shows results by file9// - Expandable file results10// - Click result to open file11// - Shows line number and match12
13// Scope Options:14// - Search in: Select folders to include15// - Exclude from: Specify patterns to skip16// - Default excludes: node_modules, .git, etc.17
18// Search across project:19// - Type search term20// - Results grouped by file21// - Results count at top22// - Click file to open and navigate
```

-   Results are interactive; click to open file
-   Can filter results by file pattern
-   Respects .gitignore automatically
-   Useful for finding all usages of a function

#### Replace in all files

Search and replace across entire workspace, useful for large refactoring operations.

Code

```
1// Replace in All Files2// macOS: ⇧⌘H3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+H4
5// Opens Find and Replace in Files panel6// Works like Find & Replace but across workspace7
8// Features:9// - Replace single occurrence10// - Replace all in file11// - Replace all in workspace12// - Shows files that will be changed13// - Undo operates globally14
15// Warning: Replace All changes many files16// Use Replace Current first to verify17// Can undo entire operation if needed18
19// Regex support:20// - Enable Use Regular Expression21// - Use capture groups in replacement22// - Particularly useful with multiple files
```

-   Shows preview of what will change
-   Can exclude files from search before replacing
-   Reaches every matching file, so check the preview first
-   Undo works after replacing all files

## Debugging

Debug code using breakpoints and stepping

### Debug Control and Breakpoints

Start, stop, and control program execution

#### Accessibility

Control program execution for debugging

#### Best Practices

-   Use F9 to toggle quick breakpoints
-   Use conditional breakpoints to reduce stopping
-   Use logpoints for quick temporary logging

#### Common Errors

-   **Breakpoint not hit during debugging:** Check debug configuration; ensure breakpoint is in code path being executed

#### Keywords

debugbreakpointrunstoppausestep

[Learn more](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/debugging)

#### Start and stop debugging

Control program execution while debugging to find and fix issues.

Code

```
1// Start Debugging2// Key: F53
4// Starts debugger using launch configuration5// Pauses at first breakpoint6// Opens Debug panel on left sidebar7
8// Stop Debugging9// Key: Shift+F510
11// Terminates debug session12// Returns to normal editing mode13// Clears all breakpoints (false; they remain)14
15// Restart Debugging16// Key: Shift+Ctrl+F5 (or Cmd+Shift+F5 on Mac)17
18// Restarts current debug session19// Useful when testing changes20// Faster than stop and start21
22// Pause/Resume23// Click pause button or press F5 when running24// Pause stops execution at current line25// Resume continues from pause point
```

-   Requires debug configuration in launch.json
-   F5 continues if paused; pauses if running
-   Debug variables available in Debug Console
-   Can modify variables during debugging

#### Set and toggle breakpoints

Set breakpoints to pause execution at specific points for inspection and debugging.

Code

```
1// Toggle Breakpoint2// Key: F93
4// On current line: sets breakpoint (breaks execution)5// On existing breakpoint: removes it6// Shows red dot on line number7// Useful for testing specific code paths8
9// Conditional Breakpoint10// Right-click on line number and select "Add Conditional Breakpoint"11// Express condition that line must satisfy to break12// Example: i > 100  (breaks when i > 100)13// Useful for skipping many iterations14
15// Logpoint (Log Without Breaking)16// Right-click on line number and select "Add Logpoint"17// Message logged to console without breaking execution18// Useful for tracing values without stopping19// Example: "Current value: {value}"20
21// Breakpoint Widgets:22// - View all breakpoints in Debug panel23// - Enable/disable without removing24// - Click to navigate to breakpoint location
```

-   Red dot indicates active breakpoint
-   Gray dot indicates disabled breakpoint
-   Conditional breakpoints have orange dot
-   Logpoints have yellow dot
-   All breakpoints shown in Debug panel

### Debug Stepping

Step through code line by line

#### Accessibility

Execute code line-by-line for detailed inspection

#### Best Practices

-   Start with Step Over to understand flow
-   Use Step Into for specific function inspection
-   Watch variables that matter to your problem

#### Common Errors

-   **Variables show undefined values:** Variable may be out of scope; check call stack and current scope in Variables panel

#### Keywords

stepintooveroutnextcontinue

[Learn more](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/debugging)

#### Step through code execution

Navigate through code execution line by line or function by function to trace program behavior.

Code

```
1// Step Over (Execute Line, Don't Enter Functions)2// Key: F103
4// Executes current line completely5// If line calls function, executes entire function6// Moves to next line in current function7// Best for skipping internal function details8
9// Step Into (Enter Function Calls)10// Key: F1111
12// Steps into function calls on current line13// Pauses at first line inside function14// Allows detailed inspection of function15// Use multiple times to dive deeper16
17// Step Out (Exit Current Function)18// Key: Shift+F1119
20// Executes rest of current function21// Pauses at return point in calling function22// Useful when already inside wrong function23// Brings you back up call stack24
25// Continue (Run to Next Breakpoint)26// Press F5 while paused27// Resumes execution28// Runs until next breakpoint or end
```

-   Step Over best for high-level understanding
-   Step Into for inspecting function details
-   Green arrow shows next line to execute
-   Call stack shown in Debug panel
-   Variables update after each step

#### Debug console and variable inspection

Inspect program state and evaluate expressions while debugging to understand variable values and behavior.

Code

```
1// Debug Console2// Key: Shift+Ctrl+Y (or Cmd+Shift+Y on Mac)3
4// Shows program output and allows REPL5// Type expressions to evaluate while paused6// View console.log() output here7
8// Variables View (Debug Sidebar)9// Shows variables in current scope10// Local variables: scoped to current function11// Global variables: workspace-wide variables12// Expand objects to inspect properties13
14// Watch Expressions15// Add custom expressions to watch16// Right-click variable and "Add to Watch"17// Or add expression manually to Watch panel18// Updates after each step19
20// Hover Over Variables21// Mouse over variable in editor while paused22// Shows current value in tooltip23// Works for object properties too24// Useful while reading code
```

-   Debug Console supports JavaScript/TypeScript REPL
-   Variables panel refreshes after each step
-   Watch expressions help when tracking several values at once
-   Hover tooltip appears immediately while paused

## Multi-Cursor & Selection

Edit multiple locations simultaneously

### Multi-Cursor Editing

Add cursors at multiple positions and edit simultaneously

#### Accessibility

Edit multiple locations at same time

#### Best Practices

-   Use for editing multiple similar lines
-   Combine with line duplication for scaffolding
-   Use Escape if multiple cursors become confusing

#### Common Errors

-   **Typing affects only one cursor:** Check that all cursors are visible; refresh with click if needed

#### Keywords

cursormultimultipleeditparallel

[Learn more](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/codebasics)

#### Add cursor above and below

Create multiple cursors to edit several lines in parallel instead of repeating the same edit.

Code

```
1// Add Cursor Below2// macOS: ⌥⌘↓3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Alt+Down4
5// Creates new cursor on next line at same column6// Repeated presses add more cursors below7// Useful for parallel editing of multiple lines8// All cursors type/edit simultaneously9
10// Add Cursor Above11// macOS: ⌥⌘↑12// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Alt+Up13
14// Creates new cursor on previous line at same column15// Works upward from current position16// Useful for editing multiple similar lines together17
18// Example use case:19// const name = "John";20// const age = 30;21// const city = "NYC";22
23// Add cursors at start of each line24// Edit all variable names simultaneously
```

-   Each cursor operates independently but simultaneously
-   All cursors visible as thin vertical lines
-   Escape key to clear all but one cursor
-   Well suited to editing structured data

#### Multi-cursor with selection

Select all occurrences of word at once and edit all simultaneously, faster than find and replace for simple cases.

Code

```
1// Select All Occurrences2// macOS: ⌘⇧L  (not standard, need to enable)3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+L4
5// Adds cursor at each occurrence of selected text6// Selects the text at each cursor7// Allows bulk renaming or editing8
9// Alternative: Ctrl+D for incremental selection10// macOS: ⌘D11// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+D12
13// Each press:14// 1. Selects current word15// 2. Adds next occurrence16// 3. Continues until all selected17
18// Example workflow:19// 1. Select a word (double-click or Ctrl+D)20// 2. Press Ctrl+Shift+L to select all21// 3. Type replacement text22// 4. All instances updated simultaneously
```

-   Much faster than traditional find/replace
-   No need for regex or dialog
-   Good for renaming a variable in one pass
-   Escape to clear selection

## Advanced Features

Go to definition, references, and code actions

### Go to Definition and References

Navigate to function and variable definitions

#### Accessibility

Quick navigation to code definitions and usages

#### Best Practices

-   Use F12 to understand code flow
-   Use Shift+F12 before renaming to verify impact
-   Use Peek Definition for quick inspection

#### Common Errors

-   **Go to Definition does not work:** Language server may not be installed; check Extensions and install if needed

#### Keywords

definitionreferencesusagegotojumppeek

[Learn more](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/codebasics)

#### Go to definition

Jump directly to function and variable definitions without searching through the codebase.

Code

```
1// Go To Definition2// Key: F123
4// Opens file and scrolls to function/variable definition5// Requires language server support6// Works for:7// - User-defined functions8// - Class methods9// - Variable declarations10// - Imported definitions11
12// Peek Definition13// macOS: ⌥F1214// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Alt+F1215
16// Shows definition in inline preview17// Doesn't open new file18// Shows code without navigating19// Press Escape to close preview20
21// Back Navigation22// macOS: ⌃- (Control+Minus/Dash)23// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Alt+Left24
25// Goes back to previous location26// Maintains navigation history27// Useful after multiple jumps
```

-   Requires TypeScript/JavaScript language server
-   Works with other languages that have language servers
-   Peek definition is non-intrusive
-   Works across files and modules

#### Find all references

Locate all places where a function or variable is used, useful for understanding code dependencies and impact of changes.

Code

```
1// Go To References2// Key: Shift+F123
4// Shows all places where function/variable is used5// Opens References panel6// Lists all usages across codebase7// Click to navigate to each usage8
9// Peek References10// Right-click on symbol > "Peek References"11// Shows references in inline view12// Similar to Peek Definition13// Close with Escape14
15// Find All References (Command Palette)16// Command: "Go to All References"17// Shows references in split view18// More detailed than Peek References19
20// Use cases:21// - Find where function is called22// - Check variable usage before renaming23// - Understand code dependencies24// - Locate dead code
```

-   Shift+F12 opens dedicated References panel
-   Can filter results by type (read/write/declare)
-   Worth running before a refactor
-   Results grouped by file

### Code Actions and Quick Fixes

Apply automatic fixes and refactoring suggestions

#### Accessibility

Automatic code improvements and fixes

#### Best Practices

-   Use Ctrl+. frequently to discover available actions
-   Refactor with Extract Variable for complex expressions
-   Let language server suggest improvements

#### Common Errors

-   **Quick Fix menu does not appear:** Light bulb only appears for addressable errors; check if error is fixable

#### Keywords

actionfixrefactorautosuggestionimplement

[Learn more](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/refactoring)

#### Quick fix and code actions

Automatically apply fixes and refactoring suggestions offered by VS Code's language servers and extensions.

Code

```
1// Quick Fix2// macOS: ⌘.3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+.4
5// Shows available fixes for error/warning at cursor6// Common fixes include:7// - Import missing module8// - Add missing parameter9// - Create missing variable10// - Generate method stub11// - Format code12
13// Trigger automatically:14// Light bulb icon appears when fixes available15// Click bulb or use Ctrl+. shortcut16// Select fix from menu17
18// Available for:19// - Syntax errors with solutions20// - Linter/formatter suggestions21// - Language-specific refactoring22// - Extension-provided actions23
24// Common fixes:25// - "Add missing import" - automatic import26// - "Generate method" - stub out function27// - "Fix capitalization" - correct case28// - "Convert var to let" - modernize code
```

-   Light bulb appears when actions available
-   Shortcut varies by platform
-   Many fixes require extensions
-   TypeScript provides extensive fixes

#### Refactoring with code actions

Perform refactoring transformations like extracting functions and variables automatically.

Code

```
1// Refactoring Actions2// Use Ctrl+. (Cmd+. on Mac) on selection3
4// Available refactorings (TypeScript/JavaScript):5// - Extract Variable: Extract expression to variable6// - Extract Function: Extract lines to new function7// - Extract Interface: Extract type to interface8// - Move Statements: Move code block to different location9// - Rename Symbol: Rename with occurrences updated10// - Generate getter/setter: Create property accessors11// - Convert to async: Convert function to async/await12// - Add/remove braces: Formatting changes13
14// Example: Extract Variable15// Highlight: calculateTotal(price * quantity + tax)16// Quick Fix > Extract Variable17// Creates: const extracted = price * quantity + tax;18
19// Example: Extract Function20// Select multiple lines21// Quick Fix > Extract to Function22// Creates function with extracted code
```

-   Refactoring availability depends on language
-   TypeScript has the widest range of refactorings
-   Most refactoring requires text selection first
-   Changes typically can be undone easily

## Extension Management

Install, manage and configure VS Code extensions

### Installing and Managing Extensions

Add and configure extensions to extend VS Code functionality

#### Accessibility

Install and manage extensions for enhanced functionality

#### Best Practices

-   Only install extensions you actually use
-   Disable extensions that slow VS Code
-   Use workspace-specific extensions for projects

#### Common Errors

-   **Extension installed but not working:** Try reloading window with Ctrl+Shift+P > "Reload Window"

#### Keywords

extensioninstallmarketplaceplugindisableuninstall

[Learn more](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/extension-marketplace)

#### Open extensions view

Access the Extensions Marketplace to discover and install extensions for additional functionality.

Code

```
1// Open Extensions Sidebar2// macOS: ⇧⌘X3// Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+X4
5// Shows VS Code Extensions Marketplace6// Features:7// - Search for extensions by name8// - Shows ratings and downloads9// - Install with single click10// - View extension details and reviews11// - See installed extensions12
13// Install Extension:14// 1. Click Extensions icon in sidebar15// 2. Search for extension name16// 3. Click Install button17// 4. Wait for installation (usually instant)18// 5. May need reload for activation19
20// Manage Installed Extensions:21// - Disable: Turn off without uninstalling22// - Uninstall: Remove completely23// - Settings: Configure extension options24// - Show in Marketplace: View extension page
```

-   Most extensions install instantly
-   Some require window reload
-   Extensions can be workspace-specific
-   Disabled extensions don't affect performance

#### Configure extensions and settings

Configure extension settings and choose the productivity extensions that fit your workflow.

Code

```
1// Extension Settings2// Extended settings for installed extensions appear in:3// - Settings > Extensions section4// - Right-click extension > Extension Settings5// - Edit in settings.json6
7// Common Extension Types:8// - Language Support: Syntax highlighting, IntelliSense9// - Formatters: Code formatting and beautification10// - Linters: Code quality and style checking11// - Debuggers: Language-specific debugging12// - Themes: Visual appearance customization13// - Keybindings: Alternative keyboard layouts14// - Snippets: Code templates and shortcuts15
16// Recommended Essential Extensions:17// - Language Support: TypeScript, Python, Go, Rust18// - Formatters: Prettier, Pylint19// - Linters: ESLint, Pylint20// - Version Control: GitHub, GitLens21// - Debug: Debugger for Chrome, Python22// - Productivity: REST Client, Thunder Client23// - Snippets: Popular languages have snippet packs24
25// Performance:26// - Disable unused extensions27// - Check extension page for performance notes28// - Some extensions slow startup
```

-   Extensions can be disabled per workspace
-   Many extensions auto-detect project type
-   Check extension ratings and reviews before installing
-   Popular extensions are well-maintained

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