When you work as a .NET developer, productivity matters as much as clean code. Visual Studio Code has become a preferred editor for many .NET professionals because it is lightweight, extensible, and developer-friendly. To get the most out of it, you must learn the right keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts help you write code faster, switch between files smoothly, and debug applications with confidence.
In this article, I will walk you through the Top 20 VS Code shortcuts every .NET developer should know. These shortcuts improve your workflow, reduce repetitive effort, and help you stay more focused while coding.
Let’s dive in.
⭐ Why Keyboard Shortcuts Matter for .NET Developers
When you write C#, Razor Pages, Blazor, or ASP.NET Core applications, you often move between multiple files, debug logic, and refactor code. Using only a mouse slows you down.
Keyboard shortcuts help you:
- Speed up everyday coding tasks
- Improve focus and reduce hand movement
- Perform quick navigation
- Manage files and terminals efficiently
- Debug faster
- Boost overall coding productivity
Once you get comfortable using them, you’ll notice a major improvement in your development speed.
🔹 Top 20 VS Code Shortcuts for .NET Developers
Below are the most useful shortcuts you should start using today.
(Shortcuts listed for Windows / Linux; Mac equivalents included where useful.)
1. Open Command Palette
Windows / Linux: Ctrl + Shift + P
Mac: Cmd + Shift + P
The Command Palette is the heart of VS Code. You can:
- Install extensions
- Run commands
- Change settings
- Execute tasks
All without touching the mouse.
2. Quick Open a File
Windows / Linux: Ctrl + P
Mac: Cmd + P
Type a few letters and instantly jump to any file.
This shortcut is a real productivity booster when working in large .NET projects.
3. Toggle Integrated Terminal
Windows / Linux: Ctrl + (backtick)**
Mac: Cmd + **
Run commands like:
dotnet builddotnet rundotnet test
Without leaving the editor.
4. Format Document
Windows / Linux: Shift + Alt + F
Mac: Shift + Option + F
Keeps your C# code clean and consistent.
Perfect when working with:
- LINQ expressions
- Lambda functions
- Controller methods
5. Multi-Cursor Editing
Windows / Linux: Alt + Click
Mac: Option + Click
Great for:
- Updating namespaces
- Editing similar variable names
- Changing multiple lines at once
This shortcut saves tons of time while refactoring.
6. Duplicate Line
Windows / Linux: Shift + Alt + ↓ / ↑
Mac: Shift + Option + ↓ / ↑
Useful when writing repetitive code blocks such as:
- Dependency injection statements
- Model properties
- Controller routes
7. Move Line Up or Down
Windows / Linux: Alt + ↑ / ↓
Mac: Option + ↑ / ↓
Reorder code without cutting and pasting.
Great for organizing method blocks or parameters.
8. Go to Definition
Windows / Linux: F12
Instantly jump to:
- Classes
- Methods
- Interfaces
- DTOs
- Models
A must-know shortcut for every .NET developer.
9. Peek Definition
Windows / Linux: Alt + F12
See code inline without navigating away.
Very useful when:
- Reviewing logic
- Understanding API handlers
- Exploring library methods
10. Rename Symbol
Windows / Linux: F2
Refactor variables, methods, or classes safely.
VS Code updates:
- References
- Usages
- Declarations
Across the entire project.
11. Comment / Uncomment Line
Windows / Linux: Ctrl + /
Mac: Cmd + /
Perfect for:
- Debugging
- Disabling code temporarily
- Testing different logic paths
12. Open Explorer
Windows / Linux: Ctrl + Shift + E
Quickly access your project structure.
Helps when working with:
- Controllers
- Services
- Models
- Views
13. Search Across Files
Windows / Linux: Ctrl + Shift + F
Mac: Cmd + Shift + F
Ideal for:
- Finding API routes
- Tracing variable usage
- Updating business logic
14. Replace in Files
Windows / Linux: Ctrl + H
Extremely helpful when:
- Updating method names
- Changing config keys
- Editing environment values
15. Open New Terminal Instance
Windows / Linux: `Ctrl + Shift + “
Run multiple tasks such as:
- Build server
- Frontend compilation
- Background worker
All simultaneously.
16. Show Problems (Errors / Warnings)
Windows / Linux: Ctrl + Shift + M
Quickly review:
- Build errors
- Syntax warnings
- Missing references
A must-use during debugging.
17. Toggle Sidebar
Windows / Linux: Ctrl + B
Gives you more space to focus on code — especially useful on smaller screens.
18. Split Editor
Windows / Linux: Ctrl + \
Open multiple files side-by-side, ideal when working with:
- Controllers + Views
- Interfaces + Implementations
- DTOs + Mappers
19. Navigate Between Tabs
Windows / Linux: Ctrl + Tab
Move quickly across open files without using the mouse.
20. Run Debugging
Windows / Linux: F5
Debug .NET apps faster. Use it to:
- Set breakpoints
- Inspect variables
- Step through logic
This shortcut alone can save hours of troubleshooting.
Bonus Tips for .NET Developers Using VS Code
Here are a few best practices to enhance your workflow further:
- Install C# Dev Kit & .NET Extensions
- Enable IntelliCode for smarter suggestions
- Use Git integration inside VS Code
- Keep shortcuts consistent across machines
- Practice shortcuts daily until they become natural
Small habits create massive productivity gains.
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✅ Final Thoughts
Learning these Top 20 VS Code shortcuts helps you code faster, debug efficiently, and maintain better project flow as a .NET developer. When you develop real-world applications, every second counts — and shortcuts give you a powerful advantage.
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