Command Palette in VS Code

What is the Command Palette?

The Command Palette in Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a powerful feature that allows you to access and execute commands quickly without navigating through menus. It provides a convenient way to perform actions, install extensions, open files, and much more, all from one centralized interface.

Opening the Command Palette

You can open the Command Palette by using the keyboard shortcut:

Alternatively, you can access it from the menu by clicking on View and then selecting Command Palette....

Using the Command Palette

Once the Command Palette is open, you can start typing the command you want to execute. VS Code will suggest matching commands as you type, making it easy to find what you need.

For example, if you type format, you may see commands such as Format Document and Format Selection.

To execute a command, simply select it from the list using the arrow keys and press Enter.

Common Commands

Here are some common commands you can use with the Command Palette:

• Open File... - Quickly open files without navigating through the file explorer.
• New Terminal - Open a new integrated terminal.
• Toggle Sidebar Visibility - Show or hide the sidebar.
• Git: Commit - Commit changes to your Git repository.
• Preferences: Open Settings (JSON) - Open and edit the settings in a JSON format.

Searching for Extensions

The Command Palette can also be used to search for and install extensions. To do this, open the Command Palette and type:

Once you select this command, you can search for extensions by name or functionality.

Customizing Keybindings

You can customize your keybindings for commands by using the Command Palette. Type:

This will allow you to view and modify the keyboard shortcuts for various commands, tailoring the experience to your needs.

Conclusion

The Command Palette in Visual Studio Code is an essential tool for improving your productivity. By learning to utilize it effectively, you can streamline your workflow and access commands quickly without navigating through multiple menus. Practice using it regularly to become more proficient in your coding environment!