Do it smart: Shortcut Keys

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Most interesting short cut keys on Visual Studio 2008:

  • Ctrl + R + R: Rename whatever is selected (Refactoring).
  • Ctrl + K + M: This is to create a new method stub. just call the method as it already exists and then hit the shortcut.
  • Ctrl + ".": Opens the smart tag window and allows you to add Using statements. you can also use it to add a non-existent method into a class. Just call the method as it already exists, click Ctrl + "." and select "Generate Method stub..."

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  • Alt + Ctrl + E: Most useful. This will open the Exceptions window and let you stop or allow a few exceptions while debugging.

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  • Ctrl + K + F and Ctrl + K + D: Indents the code properly. so "F" will format the selected code and "D" will indent the entire document.
  • Ctrl + - and Shift + -: Works like the back and forward buttons on the web browser. So if you navigate into a new place using F12 or Shift + F12, you can go back to the original location using this.
  • Ctrl + Tab and then use Arrow Keys: Ctrl + Arrow Keys allow you to take a look at all the windows, tool windows, panels and let you navigate through them. So once you press Ctrl + Tab, it shows you the navigation window. Then you can use the arrow keys to navigate through all the panels windows, etc. You can go up, Down, Left, Right, and you can even see what's in focus.

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  • F8 and Shift F8: These help you navigate through your search results. Hit it and get surprised.
  • Alt + F6: Moves to the next tool window.
  • Ctrl + F6: Cycles through the MDI child windows one window at a time.