All keyboard shortcuts for programming

The most important keyboard shortcuts for programming

With programming keyboard shortcuts, you can navigate through code faster, rename functions, and debug errors without constantly clicking through menus. This reference guide contains 100 essential keyboard shortcuts for eight development environments, with explanations of what each command does and when to use it.

Which keyboard shortcuts are important for programming?

The most useful keyboard shortcuts for programmers help with five recurring tasks: opening files, writing code, looking up definitions, restructuring code, and debugging programs. In particular , commands for code completion, navigation, renaming, and breakpoints are used in virtually every development project.

Een combinatie werkt niet overal hetzelfde. In Visual Studio start F5 bijvoorbeeld het programma met de debugger. JetBrains-omgevingen gebruiken daarvoor doorgaans Shift + F9. En waar Ctrl + D in Visual Studio Code de volgende overeenkomst selecteert, dupliceert die combinatie in IntelliJ IDEA een regel of selectie.

Hieronder staan daarom afzonderlijke overzichten voor Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, Eclipse, Xcode en Android Studio. Samen bevatten ze precies 100 vermeldingen. Dezelfde combinatie kan bij meerdere programma’s terugkomen, zodat iedere tabel zelfstandig bruikbaar blijft.

Operating System and Keyboard Layout

De tabellen gebruiken de standaardtoetsen voor Windows, behalve bij Xcode: daarvoor gelden de standaardtoetsen voor macOS. Visual Studio gebruikt het profiel General. Voor de JetBrains-programma’s en Android Studio geldt het gebruikelijke Windows-toetsprofiel; Eclipse wordt beschreven vanuit de Java-ontwikkelomgeving.

A custom key profile, extension, or other keyboard layout may differ from this. On laptops, you sometimes need to hold down the Fn key to use a function key such as F8.

Main Topic	Related keywords	Semantic search terms
Write code	Code completion, formatting, comments	IntelliSense, autocomplete, indentation
Search for a code	Opening files, definitions, references	Search symbols, usages, project navigation
Rewrite code	Rename, extract method	Refactoring, variable input, imports
Troubleshooting	Debugger, breakpoint, step through	Step into, step over, evaluate expression

Note the keystroke notation: Ctrl + K, followed by Ctrl + D, indicates two consecutive key combinations. For “Shift twice,” press the same key twice in quick succession.

Visual Studio Code: 16 sneltoetsen

Visual Studio Code is een uitbreidbare code-editor. Navigatie en tekstbewerking werken direct, maar slimme taalfuncties kunnen een geschikte extensie vereisen. Voor Python, C#, Java en andere talen bepaalt de taalondersteuning welke definities, verwijzingen en verbeteringen beschikbaar zijn.

Search, navigate, and understand the code

No.	Shortcut	What does this keyboard shortcut do?
1	Ctrl + Shift + P	Opens the command palette. Type the name of a command, such as “format” or “select interpreter,” and execute it without knowing the menu location.
2	Ctrl + P	Opens Quick Open to find files by name. Even part of the filename is usually enough to jump directly to the right file.
3	Ctrl + Shift + F	Searches for text in files within the open workspace. Useful for finding error messages, configuration keys, or API routes used.
4	Ctrl + Shift + O	Displays the symbols of the current file. Use them to jump to a function, method, or class without having to scroll through a long source file.
5	Ctrl + Space	Prompts code completion suggestions. The suggested names, properties, and snippets depend on language support and the cursor’s position.
6	Ctrl + Shift + Space	Displays parameter help for a supported function call. You can see which arguments are expected and where the current argument fits in the call.
7	F12	Jumps to the definition of the symbol under the cursor. Use this to examine how a called function or class is structured.
8	Alt + F12	Displays the definition in an embedded window. You can view the implementation while the surrounding code from your genuine file remains visible.
9	Shift + F12	Displays references to a supported symbol. This allows you to investigate which parts of the project use a function, variable, or other code element.

Change code and edit multiple locations

No.	Shortcut	What does this keyboard shortcut do?
10	F2	Start renaming a symbol. With appropriate language support, recognized references are updated, rather than simply replacing the same text.
11	Ctrl + .	Access available quick fixes and code offers. For example, add a missing import or apply a suggested improvement at the current cursor position.
12	Shift + Alt + F	Formats the document using the specified formatter. A suitable formatter must be available; this command restores formatting but does not guarantee that the code will function correctly.
13	Ctrl + /	Enables or disables line comments for the current line or selection. The editor uses the comment syntax of the active programming language.
14	Alt + ↑	Moves the current line or selected lines up. Useful for rearranging consecutive instructions without having to cut and paste them individually.
15	Shift + Alt + ↓	Copies the current line or selection down. Useful for similar configuration lines; then adjust the parts that need to be different.
16	Ctrl + D	Selects the current word or adds the next match to the selection. This allows you to edit several selected text passages at once.

Visual Studio: 16 keyboard shortcuts

Visual Studio is a comprehensive development environment, widely used for C#, .NET, and C++, among others. The combination of building, debugging, and navigating makes the function keys particularly important. The commands below are based on the default “General” profile.

Building and Debugging

No.	Shortcut	What does this keyboard shortcut do?
17	Ctrl + Shift + B	Builds the solution according to the active configuration. Visual Studio processes the relevant projects and displays any compilation errors that might prevent execution.
18	F5	Start the configured startup project with debugging. If the debugger is already paused, pressing the same key resumes execution until the next breakpoint.
19	Ctrl + F5	Start the project without a debugger. Suitable for running the program normally when you don’t need breakpoints or variable inspection.
20	Shift + F5	Stops active debug execution. Use this command when you want to terminate the program under investigation and return to editing the code.
21	F9	Sets or removes a breakpoint on the current line. When a valid breakpoint is reached, the debugger pauses so you can examine the condition.
22	F10	Executes the next step during an interrupt without normally entering a called function. Other interrupt conditions may still halt execution.
23	F11	Where possible, enter a called function. This allows you to track the execution within the function itself rather than just viewing the result.
24	Shift + F11	Continues execution until the current function is exited. Useful when you’ve seen enough and want to return to the calling code.
25	Ctrl + F10	Let execution continue until the cursor position is reached. You do not need to set a permanent breakpoint on that line to do so.

Navigate and get your code

No.	Shortcut	What does this keyboard shortcut do?
26	F12	Opens the definition of the selected code element. Useful for quickly viewing the underlying implementation from within a method call.
27	Shift + F12	Searches for all recognized references to the selected element. Use this to assess the consequences of a change before modifying a public method.
28	Ctrl + .	Displays Quick Offers and available refactorings. Depending on the language and context, you can, for example, add imports or have a code structure modified.
29	Ctrl + K, then Ctrl + D	Formats the entire document according to the specified code style. Execute both commands one after the other while the code editor is active.
30	Ctrl + K, then Ctrl + C	Place the selected code in a comment. This is useful for temporarily excluding a section from execution during a test.
31	Ctrl + K, then Ctrl + U	Removes line comments from the selected code. Use this as the counterpart to the comment command after a temporary check has been completed.
32	Ctrl + Alt + L	Opens or activates Solution Explorer. There, you can view the projects, files, dependencies, and other components of the open solution.

IntelliJ IDEA: 14 keyboard shortcuts

IntelliJ IDEA offers extensive support for understanding and restructuring code. The capabilities vary by language and project, but search, find uses, and refactoring in particular form a strong foundation for daily work.

No.	Shortcut	What does this keyboard shortcut do?
33	Tweemaal Shift	Opens Search Everywhere. Search for files, icons, settings, and commands from a single window without having to select the correct search category first.
34	Ctrl + Shift + A	Search for an IDE command by name. This is useful when you know the desired function but have forgotten the keyboard shortcut or menu location.
35	Ctrl + N	Search for a category by name. Use this to jump directly to a specific type without having to go through the entire package structure.
36	Ctrl + Shift + N	Searches for files by name. Suitable for source files, configuration files, and other project components that you do not want to open via a class name.
37	Ctrl + B	Navigates to the declaration of the element under the cursor. Depending on the context, the IDE may also suggest relevant usages.
38	Ctrl + Alt + B	Searches for implementations of a type or method. Especially useful when you want to see, from an interface, which specific classes provide the behavior.
39	Alt + F7	Searches for instances of the selected symbol. This allows you to determine which code depends on a class, method, field, or other element.
40	Shift + F6	Start the Rename refactoring. The IDE can automatically update recognized references; review the suggested changes before finalizing a bulk rename.
41	Ctrl + Alt + M	Extracts the selected code into a method where the language and selection support this. This allows you to give a separate task a clear name.
42	Ctrl + Alt + V	Introduces a variable for a selected expression. Useful for making a complex calculation more readable or for naming an intermediate result.
43	Ctrl + Alt + L	Formats the file or selection according to the project settings. This ensures that indentation and other supported formatting rules are applied consistently.
44	Ctrl + W	Expand the selection according to the code structure. For example, pressing the key repeatedly first selects an expression and then a larger, more comprehensive block of code.
45	Ctrl + Shift + W	Reduces a previously selected range. Useful when Ctrl + W has selected a larger area than you ultimately want to edit.
46	Alt + Insert	Opens available options for code generation. Depending on the language, you can, for example, have constructors, getters, setters, or other recurring elements inserted.

PyCharm: 12 keyboard shortcuts

In PyCharm, you can use smart navigation along with support for Python interpreters, run configurations, and debugging. To run code, the appropriate interpreter must be set. The startup commands below use the selected run or debug configuration.

No.	Shortcut	What does this keyboard shortcut do?
47	Alt + Enter	Displays context-sensitive offers and suggested solutions. Use these for highlighted issues, such as adding a missing import or improving code.
48	Ctrl + Space	Opens code completion. PyCharm suggests available names and properties based on imports, type information, and the current code context, among other factors.
49	Ctrl + Q	Displays quick documentation for the element under the cursor. Use this to view explanations about a feature or object without leaving the editor.
50	Ctrl + P	Displays parameter information within a function call. You can see which arguments are available and verify the correct order or parameter names.
51	Ctrl + B	Navigates to the declaration of the selected element. Useful for seeing where a used function, class, or variable comes from.
52	Ctrl + Alt + L	Formats the selected code or file according to the specified style. In Python, correct indentation is also crucial for the code to function properly.
53	Shift + F6	Start renaming a symbol with refactoring. For dynamically generated references, check yourself to ensure that all intended usage locations have been included.
54	Shift + F10	Runs the selected run configuration. Check beforehand to make sure it points to the correct script, the correct interpreter, and the desired arguments.
55	Shift + F9	Start the selected configuration with debugging. This allows you to pause at breakpoints and examine values while your Python program is running.
56	Ctrl + F8	Sets or removes a line breakpoint. Select an executable line to pause the program at the desired moment during debugging.
57	F8	Executes a step during a debug breakpoint without normally entering a function call. Use this to evaluate the result of that call.
58	Alt + F8	Opens Evaluate Expression during debugging. Examine an expression within the current context; function calls may also affect the program.

WebStorm: 12 keyboard shortcuts

WebStorm focuses on JavaScript, TypeScript, and web development. The editor can recognize many relationships within a project. When renaming components or functions, it’s wise to check dynamic references and external applications.

No.	Shortcut	What does this keyboard shortcut do?
59	Tweemaal Shift	Opens Search Everywhere. Search from a single input field for a component file, symbol, setting, or command you need while developing.
60	Ctrl + Shift + N	Searches for a file by name. Handy for web projects where source code, styles, tests, and configuration files are spread across many folders.
61	Ctrl + Shift + F	Searches for text within a selected project range. Use this, for example, to find a CSS class, error message, or configuration value across multiple files.
62	Alt + Enter	Displays context-dependent improvements and solutions. The available offers depend on the code, the framework used, and the installed support.
63	Ctrl + Space	Roept codeaanvulling op. De suggesties kunnen betrekking hebben op JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML of andere ondersteunde onderdelen van het huidige bestand.
64	Ctrl + P	Displays parameter information when a function is called. This is especially helpful for functions where you don’t know the argument order or available variants by heart.
65	Ctrl + Alt + L	Formats code according to the project style settings. Adjust those settings to match the project, even when using an external formatter.
66	Ctrl + Alt + O	Optimizes imports where supported. The IDE organizes imports and can remove redundant entries based on the current language and project settings.
67	Shift + F6	Start renaming a supported code element or file. WebStorm can update recognized references as you go, even outside the current document.
68	Alt + J	Adds the following agreement to a multiple selection. Use this when you want to modify a limited number of identical text fragments at the same time.
69	Ctrl + D	Duplicates the current line or selection. Useful for similar code structures, although frequent repetition may also be a reason to create a function.
70	Ctrl + Shift + J	Merges lines with language-aware support. Check the result for comments, strings, and constructs where line breaks are significant.

Eclipse: 10 sneltoetsen voor Java

Eclipse krijgt veel functies via plug-ins. Dit overzicht gaat uit van de Java Development Tools, meestal afgekort tot JDT. Bij andere Eclipse-pakketten kunnen opdrachten ontbreken of een andere betekenis krijgen.

No.	Shortcut	What does this keyboard shortcut do?
71	Ctrl + Space	Opens Content Assist in the Java editor. This provides suggestions for types, methods, fields, and available code templates, among other things.
72	Ctrl + 1	Displays Quick Fix and available troubleshooting steps when you hover over an item. Use this when highlighting a problem to view possible solutions.
73	Ctrl + Shift + F	Formats the selection or Java file according to the set formatter profile. This allows you to apply the same style to indentation and line spacing.
74	Ctrl + Shift + O	Organiseert imports. Eclipse verwijdert onnodige imports, ordent de benodigde vermeldingen en kan bij onduidelijke typen vragen welke import je bedoelt.
75	F3	Opens the declaration of the selected element. For example, you can jump from a method call to the source code where that method is defined.
76	F4	Opens the type hierarchy. This allows you to explore the relationships between a selected type, its parent classes, and relevant derived types.
77	Ctrl + Alt + H	Opens the call hierarchy for a method. This helps you understand how a function is reached and which calls are associated with it.
78	Alt + Shift + R	Start Rename refactoring. You can rename a supported Java element and have the corresponding references updated within the selected scope.
79	Alt + Shift + M	Extracts selected code into a method. Useful for breaking down a long method into smaller tasks with clear names.
80	Ctrl + /	Enables or disables line comments for lines within the selection. Use this to temporarily disable code or remove existing comment markers.

Xcode: 10 sneltoetsen voor macOS

Deze tabel gebruikt Command, Control en Shift op de Mac. Command en Control zijn verschillende toetsen. De uitvoeropdrachten werken met het geselecteerde scheme en de gekozen bestemming, bijvoorbeeld een simulator of aangesloten apparaat.

No.	Shortcut	What does this keyboard shortcut do?
81	Command + B	Builds the active scheme. Use this to find compilation errors before you actually run the application on a device or simulator.
82	Command + R	Bouwt en start de toepassing volgens het actieve scheme. De geselecteerde uitvoerbestemming bepaalt waar Xcode het programma probeert te starten.
83	Command + .	Stops the active execution. Useful when you’re done with a check and want to go back to editing the source code.
84	Command + Shift + O	Opens Open Quickly. Use this to search for files and symbols without having to look them up in the project navigator first.
85	Command + \	Sets or removes a breakpoint on the current line. This allows you to pause the debugger at a selected point in the execution.
86	Command + Y	Toggles all breakpoints on or off at once. This allows you to temporarily continue execution without removing the individually set breakpoints.
87	Control + Command + Y	Pauses or resumes execution within the debugger. Use this to interrupt a running program or let it continue running after inspection.
88	F6	Executes a Step Over during a debug breakpoint. A function call is executed normally without stepping through the individual instructions within that function.
89	F7	Execute Step Into. Where possible, enter the called function to examine its execution and the available values there.
90	F8	Executes Step Out. The debugger runs the current function to completion and returns to the calling context, unless an earlier breakpoint is encountered.

Android Studio: 10 sneltoetsen

Android Studio is gebaseerd op het IntelliJ-platform. Veel editoropdrachten komen daardoor overeen met IntelliJ IDEA. De volgende selectie richt zich op projectnavigatie, logberichten, bouwen en debugging tijdens Android-ontwikkeling.

No.	Shortcut	What does this keyboard shortcut do?
91	Alt + 1	Displays or activates the Project window. There, you can navigate through source files, resources, manifests, and the other components of your Android project.
92	Alt + 6	Opens or activates Logcat. View the log messages for the selected device and process here to investigate errors during execution.
93	Ctrl + F9	Start the build process. This allows you to verify that the project can be built before running it on an emulator or device.
94	Shift + F10	Builds and runs the selected configuration. A suitable output destination must be available, such as an emulator or a connected Android device.
95	Shift + F9	Start the selected configuration with debugging. Use this when you want to hit breakpoints and inspect variables while the app is running.
96	Ctrl + F8	Sets or removes a breakpoint on the current line. A breakpoint triggers when the code is reached and the debugger is attached to it.
97	F8	Executes a "Step Over" during debugging. Use this to examine the result of an instruction without having to step through each underlying function call individually.
98	F7	Execute Step Into. Where possible, follow the called code to see how arguments and internal values are processed.
99	Shift + F8	Execute "Step Out" and let the current method run to completion. This is useful when the problem is likely in the calling code.
100	Alt + F8	Opens Evaluate Expression within the debug context. View a calculated value or examine an expression while execution is paused at an appropriate point.

Which keyboard shortcuts should you learn first?

Start with the tasks that interrupt your writing the most. For most projects, these include opening files, viewing definitions, using code completion, and renaming a symbol. Then learn the debug keys for your own environment.

Make sure to distinguish between editing text and refactoring code. A multiple selection modifies the selected text segments. Rename refactoring, on the other hand, attempts to understand which symbol you mean and which references are associated with it. For renaming a function, the second approach is usually more suitable.

A quick check in case of unexpected behavior

• Check to see if the code editor is active; a terminal or search window may interpret the same keys differently.
• Check which key profile is set, especially if you’ve switched from a different development environment.
• Check whether the required language support, formatter, or debugger is available.
• If necessary, use the Fn key with function keys and check for conflicts with platform keys.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keyboard Shortcuts for Programming

Zijn Visual Studio en Visual Studio Code hetzelfde?

Nee. Het zijn afzonderlijke ontwikkelproducten met verschillende functies en toetsindelingen. Neem combinaties daarom niet automatisch over. De formatteropdracht is bijvoorbeeld Shift + Alt + F in Visual Studio Code en Ctrl + K, daarna Ctrl + D in Visual Studio.

Werken Windows-sneltoetsen ook op een Mac?

Niet altijd. Sommige opdrachten gebruiken Command in plaats van Ctrl, maar er bestaan ook volledig andere combinaties. Gebruik op macOS het bijbehorende toetsprofiel van je ontwikkelomgeving. De Xcode-tabel hierboven is al voor de Mac geschreven.

Why isn’t a code redemption request working?

The editor may lack sufficient language information, the file may not be recognized as the correct programming language, or the required file extension may be missing. Also check whether the project and any dependencies have been loaded. A shortcut key can only display suggestions that the available language support can provide.

What’s the difference between Step Into and Step Over?

Step Into attempts to enter a function call. Step Over executes the call normally without following the internal instructions step by step. Breakpoints and other debug conditions can still interrupt that execution.

Can you set the same keyboard shortcuts in all development environments?

Many environments support custom key mappings and alternative keyboard layouts. They won’t be exactly the same right away: functions, contexts, and available extensions vary. Start with a small, fixed set of commands that you use frequently in each program.

Key Insights

• This overview contains 100 keyboard shortcut entries for eight development environments, with separate explanations for each program.
• Opening files, looking up definitions, code completion, and renaming form a practical foundation.
• Use refactoring when you want to change code elements and their references together.
• Learn the debug keys for your specific environment: function keys don’t have the same meaning everywhere.
• If you notice any unusual behavior, check the key profile, editor focus, and available language support.