The Ultimate Cheat Sheet: Must-Know Shortcuts for VS Code, PyCharm, and Intelli

As a programmer, I’ve realized that mastering keyboard shortcuts is like unlocking a hidden superpower. Every second saved by not reaching for the mouse adds up, making coding feel smoother and more efficient. I used to struggle with simple tasks—copying lines, navigating files, and debugging—until I started using shortcuts in VS Code, PyCharm, and IntelliJ. Now, I can't imagine coding without them. Let me walk you through some of the most useful shortcuts that have completely changed the way I work.

Editing Code Faster

One of the first things I learned was duplicating lines. Instead of copy-pasting manually, I just press Shift + Alt + Down (Windows/Linux) or Shift + Option + Down (Mac) in VS Code to duplicate a line instantly. In PyCharm and IntelliJ, it's even simpler—just Ctrl + D (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + D (Mac). This is a lifesaver when I need to tweak similar lines of code quickly.

Another game-changer for me was deleting an entire line. Instead of selecting and backspacing, I use Ctrl + Shift + K in VS Code and Ctrl + Y in PyCharm and IntelliJ. It’s such a simple thing, but it keeps the flow going without breaking my concentration.

Navigating Code Like a Pro

When working on large projects, jumping between files is crucial. I used to waste time manually clicking around, but now, I just press Ctrl + P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + P (Mac) in VS Code to quickly search and open files. In PyCharm and IntelliJ, the equivalent is Shift + Shift, which brings up the “Search Everywhere” feature. It’s like teleporting to any file or class instantly!

Another trick I use all the time is switching between recent files. Ctrl + Tab (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Tab (Mac) in VS Code cycles through open files, making multitasking so much easier. In PyCharm and IntelliJ, Ctrl + E (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + E (Mac) shows a list of recently opened files, letting me jump back to my previous work effortlessly.

Selecting and Moving Code Blocks

Sometimes, I need to move entire chunks of code. Instead of cutting and pasting, I just use Alt + Up/Down (Windows/Linux) or Option + Up/Down (Mac) in VS Code to shift lines up or down. In PyCharm and IntelliJ, Shift + Alt + Up/Down does the trick. It keeps everything structured neatly without breaking the indentation.

Another essential shortcut is selecting entire code blocks. Instead of dragging my cursor, I press Ctrl + Shift + Right/Left (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + Right/Left (Mac) in VS Code to expand the selection intelligently. In PyCharm and IntelliJ, Ctrl + W (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + W (Mac) selects progressively larger code sections—perfect for quickly refactoring code.

Effortless Debugging

Debugging used to be a nightmare until I got the right shortcuts. Setting breakpoints is instant with F9 in VS Code and Ctrl + F8 in PyCharm and IntelliJ. When I need to start debugging, I simply press F5 in VS Code or Shift + F9 in PyCharm and IntelliJ. It saves me from unnecessary clicks, letting me focus on finding the bug.

One of my favorite debugging tricks is stepping through code. F10 steps over functions, while F11 steps into them—this works in all three editors. It’s a must-know when tracking down tricky issues in large projects.

Finding and Replacing Code Efficiently

When working with multiple files, finding occurrences of a variable is crucial. In VS Code, Ctrl + Shift + F (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + F (Mac) searches across all files. In PyCharm and IntelliJ, Ctrl + Shift + R (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + R (Mac) finds and replaces text globally. This feature has saved me from missing crucial changes when renaming functions or variables.

Another super useful trick is renaming variables instantly. Instead of manually changing each instance, I just press F2 in VS Code or Shift + F6 in PyCharm and IntelliJ. This renames everything at once, keeping my code clean and consistent.

Commenting and Formatting Code Instantly

I used to spend too much time manually adding comments, but now I just press Ctrl + / (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + / (Mac) in all three editors to toggle comments on a line. For multi-line comments, Ctrl + Shift + / (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + / (Mac) does the trick.

Auto-formatting code is another lifesaver. In VS Code, Shift + Alt + F (Windows/Linux) or Shift + Option + F (Mac) makes messy code look clean in one keystroke. In PyCharm and IntelliJ, Ctrl + Alt + L (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Option + L (Mac) formats the entire file beautifully. This is a must-use shortcut for keeping code readable and organized.

Mastering the Terminal Without Touching the Mouse

I often switch between the editor and the terminal, and I used to fumble with opening and closing it. Now, I just press Ctrl + ` (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + ` (Mac) in VS Code to toggle the terminal instantly. In PyCharm and IntelliJ, Alt + F12 (Windows/Linux) or Option + F12 (Mac) opens the terminal seamlessly.

Another game-changing shortcut is clearing the terminal. Instead of typing clear, I just press Ctrl + L (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + K (Mac). It keeps my workspace tidy without breaking my flow.

Learning these shortcuts has completely transformed the way I code. Instead of wasting time navigating menus and clicking around, I can now perform actions in seconds. If you're still reaching for the mouse every few seconds, try incorporating a few of these shortcuts into your workflow. Once they become muscle memory, you'll wonder how you ever coded without them!

So, which of these shortcuts do you use the most? Let me know if I missed any of your favorites!