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.