Visual Studio Tips That Save Hours

1. Ctrl + T (Go To Anything)

Forget Solution Explorer.

• Instantly jump to files, classes, methods, and symbols

• Works even with partial names

This shortcut alone can save hours every week.

2. Code Cleanup (Auto-Fix Your Code)

Instead of manually fixing warnings:

• Right-click → Code Cleanup

• Or configure rules using EditorConfig

You get:

• Sorted using statements

• Fixed formatting

• Removed unused code

Pro move: bind Code Cleanup to a keyboard shortcut.

3. Multi-Cursor Editing (Alt + Click)

Edit multiple lines at once:

• Rename similar variables

• Add logging across multiple methods

• Modify repetitive code quickly

This is much faster than regex-based search and replace.

4. Live Templates and Snippets

Type shortcuts such as:

• prop → auto property

• ctor → constructor

• for, foreach, try, cw

You can also create custom snippets for boilerplate code you repeat frequently.

5. IntelliCode (AI-Powered Suggestions)

Visual Studio learns from:

• Your code

• Open-source projects

It then:

• Ranks the most likely methods first

• Reduces scrolling through IntelliSense lists

Ensure IntelliCode is enabled in settings.

6. Debug Faster with Conditional Breakpoints

Right-click a breakpoint and add conditions.

Examples:

• userId == 0

• items.Count > 100

This helps avoid stepping through unnecessary iterations, especially in loops.

7. Immediate Window

While debugging:

• Press Ctrl + Alt + I

Run code live:

• myObject.Property

• DateTime.Now

No recompiling, no logging, just instant answers.

8. Hot Reload

Change code while the application is running.

• Works with ASP.NET, Blazor, and minimal APIs

• Ideal for UI tweaks and logic fixes

Especially useful during front-end tuning.

9. Track Changes with CodeLens

CodeLens shows:

• Who changed the code

• How many references exist

• Linked work items

This is especially helpful in large teams or legacy projects.

10. Peek Definition (Alt + F12)

View method definitions inline without leaving your current file.

This keeps your mental context intact and avoids opening unnecessary tabs.

11. Solution Explorer Search

Type directly inside Solution Explorer:

• Instantly filters files

• Supports partial matches

Combine this with Ctrl + T for advanced navigation.

12. Task List for TODOs

Add comments such as:

// TODO: Refactor this logic
// HACK: Temporary fix

View them under View → Task List.

This is useful for tracking technical debt.

13. Built-In Performance Analysis

Use the Performance Profiler to analyze:

• CPU usage

• Memory leaks

• Asynchronous bottlenecks

External tools are not always required.

14. Prefer Keyboard Shortcuts Over Mouse

Useful shortcuts to memorize:

• Ctrl + . → Quick fixes

• Ctrl + K + D → Format document

• Ctrl + Shift + B → Build solution

• F12 → Go to definition

Small habits like these deliver significant productivity gains.