Shortcuts are the most productive thing a developer can add to their arsenal that will help them throughout their career. Learning how to use your system and tools will increase your productivity and make navigating through your windows and apps a snap! The mouse is an excellent tool, but if you can do it faster and more effectively without taking your hands off the keyboard, you should! In this article, we’ll explore 10 time-saving software shortcuts that you might not have known existed.  

1. Windows Key + D (Windows)  

Are you tired of minimizing or closing multiple windows to get to your desktop? Pressing the Windows key + D instantly minimizes all open windows, revealing your desktop. To restore it to its previous state, simply press it again. It’s a fantastic way to quickly access your desktop without losing track of your open applications.  

2. Ctrl + Shift + T (Web Browsers)  

We’ve all been there – you accidentally close a browser tab that you didn’t mean to. Instead of fumbling with the history menu, press Ctrl + Shift + T, and voila! Your recently closed tab magically reappears. This works in most modern web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.  

3. If you frequently need to find guides or look for some information:  

• Ctrl-T – Use this shortcut to open a new tab. When used in Chrome, it puts the cursor in the address bar. This helps you quickly move to some other location.  

• Ctrl-K – Use this shortcut to move your cursor to the address bar and then change the address bar to a google search! 

4. F2 (Windows)  

Renaming files can be a tedious task, especially when you have many of them. Save time by selecting a file and pressing F2. This allows you to quickly edit the file’s name, eliminating the need to right-click and select “Rename.”  

5. Ctrl + Z and Ctrl + Y (Most Software)  

Undo and redo are incredibly useful functions in almost all software applications. For Windows, you can undo your last action with Ctrl + Z and redo with Ctrl + Y. This works not only in text editors but also in various creative and office software.  

6. Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Windows)  

While Ctrl + Alt + Delete gets a lot of attention for opening the Task Manager, Ctrl + Shift + Esc is even more efficient. It directly opens the Task Manager, enabling you to monitor and manage running processes, applications, and system performance.  

7. Windows Key + Shift + S (Windows)  

If you frequently take screenshots, you’ll love this shortcut. Pressing Windows Key + Shift + S opens the Snip & Sketch tool, allowing you to take screenshots and annotate them quickly. It’s a versatile tool for capturing and sharing information.  

8. Tab and Shift + Tab (Form Fields)  

When filling out forms online or in documents, you can move between fields without touching your mouse. Press Tab to go forward and Shift + Tab to go backward. This is a simple but effective way to speed up data entry.  

9. IDE-Specific Shortcuts for Coding Efficiency  

The shortcuts below are built into VSCode. If you use another IDE, try configuring these. Most IDEs provide the option to configure shortcuts.  

• Alt + Left Arrow – Go back – Last Cursor Position, this could be in a different file.  

• Alt + Right Arrow – Go forward – Last Cursor Position the other way!   

• Alt + Shift + Up Arrow: Duplicate the line above the current line in your  

Integrated Development Environment (IDE).  

• Alt + Shift + Down Arrow: Duplicate the line below the current line in your IDE.  

• Ctrl + K + C – Comment  

• Ctrl + K + U – Uncomment  

10. Duplicating a block of code 

Need to duplicate a block of code above or below the current line in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)? Double shift is a shortcut to remember for this case.  

Efficiency in software use can make a significant difference in your productivity and overall computing experience. These 10 time-saving software shortcuts are just the tip of the iceberg. Take some time to explore the keyboard shortcuts and hidden features in the software you use regularly, and you’ll be amazed at how much time you can save. Every second counts, and learning these shortcuts is a step toward freeing up more of your valuable time for other important tasks.