Keyboard Shortcuts to Speed Up Python Coding in VS Code

Boost your productivity in VS Code with these essential keyboard shortcuts for Python coding. Navigate, edit, run, and debug Python faster.

Introduction

Mastering keyboard shortcuts in VS Code can dramatically increase your efficiency when coding in Python. This guide covers the most useful shortcuts to navigate, edit, and debug Python code faster.

1. General Navigation Shortcuts

Open Command Palette

  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + P
  • Mac: Cmd + Shift + P

Switch Between Open Files

  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Tab
  • Mac: Cmd + Tab

Open Integrated Terminal

  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl + `
  • Mac: Cmd + `

2. Editing and Formatting Shortcuts

Quick Fixes (Auto-Import, Linting Fixes)

  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl + .
  • Mac: Cmd + .

Auto-Format Code

  • Windows/Linux: Shift + Alt + F
  • Mac: Shift + Option + F

Comment/Uncomment Lines

  • Single-line comment: Ctrl + / (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + / (Mac)
  • Multi-line comment: Select multiple lines and use the same shortcut

3. Running Python Code

Run Python Script

  • Windows/Linux/Mac: Ctrl + F5

Run Selected Code

  • Windows/Linux: Shift + Enter
  • Mac: Shift + Return

4. Debugging Shortcuts

Start Debugging

  • Windows/Linux/Mac: F5

Step Over

  • Windows/Linux/Mac: F10

Step Into

  • Windows/Linux/Mac: F11

Step Out

  • Windows/Linux/Mac: Shift + F11

5. Terminal and Environment Management

Clear Terminal

  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl + L
  • Mac: Cmd + K

Activate Virtual Environment

  • Windows (Command Prompt): venv\Scripts\activate
  • Windows (PowerShell): venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1
  • Mac/Linux: source venv/bin/activate

Final Thoughts

Using these shortcuts in VS Code will help speed up your Python coding workflow. Memorizing just a few key combinations can make a significant difference in efficiency.

Next Step: Learn how to **get help from the Python and VS Code communities**: How to Get Help from the Python and VS Code Communities

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