How Large Language Models and Automation Give Developers Superpowers: 2.11 of 10: Automate the little things you do: Keyboard Shortcuts and Context Menus
For Part One see:
Integrate a new shortcut into your workflow every week. It will pay you dividends every time you use a computer. In a few weeks, you will find yourself flying through your workflow.
Give yourself a few minutes to simply practice using a new shortcut. This may seem silly, especially if you have been using computers for decades, but just a few minutes of practice will help integrate a new shortcut into your workflow. For example, if you don't usually cut and paste using your mouse and the context menu, spend a few hours doing nothing but using your mouse to cut and paste, and then you will have this in combination with your keyboard.
Shortcuts have a compounding effect on your workflow, increasing your velocity with each new one. The simple act of getting faster using your operating system can save you hours every year. When you spend most of your workday using specialized applications like a code or video editor, keyboard shortcuts can double your efficiency, giving you more time to focus on what really matters. You can also look at YouTube videos or Twitch streams to watch people using your software tools. This is a great way to learn to use keyboard shortcuts.
Shortcuts can be combined to make powerful macros.
Types of Shortcuts in Software
Keyboard shortcuts and Context menus (This article)
Window snapping
Screen Shots
macros within software tools
operating system automation (Automator for Mac) https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/ui-automation/ui-automation-overview
Bash scripting
Text editors
Dev Toys
Keyboard Shortcuts
Many functions are available through built-in accessibility and shortcuts in operating systems, and you can program your own.
Learn shortcuts for the applications you use regularly. Creative software, from code editors to Photoshop, often has hundreds of built-in shortcuts. Major applications are usually cross-platform and behave similarly on Mac, Windows, or Linux. You can also remap your keyboard to maintain muscle memory across systems.
Whenever you use the cursor to access the menu, note the keyboard shortcut for that action and start using it instead.
Context Menus
Context menus show up when you right-click. Depending on the part of the application you are in or the area under your cursor, the context menu may change. Experiment with your software to find out what the context menu gives you at various points in your software.
Master multiple methods for common tasks, like using command-C and command-V or right-clicking and using the context menu to cut and paste, so you can work efficiently in any context.
Right-click menus are often context-sensitive. Study them by hovering over different parts of the application.
Operating System Shortcuts
Mac:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/102650
You can add your own shortcuts:
https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/create-keyboard-shortcuts-for-apps-mchlp2271/mac
Windows:
You can add your own shortcuts:
Operating System Shortcuts to Use
Open and close files
Open new windows in Explorer/Finder
Copy and move files
Opening and using Terminal/Cmd
Show Open Applications
Switch between application
Switch between open windows in an application
Navigate UI using the Tab key and arrows
Select text and files using shift, control, and option keys.
Take screenshots
Zoom in and out
Force Quit
Open settings
Escape/cancel programs and processes.
Log Out/Shut Down/Lock Screen
Text and code editor Shortcuts
duplicate a line of code
create multiple cursors and then type into multiple lines at once
find and select the next occurrence of a string
open and close files and groups of files
More advanced shortcuts from the context menu will frequently unlock code completions:
Right-click for automated refactoring in Intelli-J, VS code and similar editors.
View Local and Git Diffs and History
Photoshop, Gimp, Adobe, Final Cut, Apple Logic and Similar Media editors
Tool selection
zoom and pan
Add and manipulate layers
Open and close workspace panels and change workspace layout
Save/Save As/Export/Bounce
Teams, Outlook, Jira, Trello, Slack and other work management tools
Make a new Board/Email/Incident/Meeting/Chat
Search
Reply with emoji: 👍 😂👀
Log Time
Change Views (calendar to messages, etc.)
Web Browsers
Open and Close Windows and Tabs
navigate within a web page using Tab and the arrow keys
Open Developer Tools
Zoom In And Out
Open History
Mastering shortcuts can greatly boost your productivity across different applications and operating systems and save you hours. Start integrating a new shortcut each week to see noticeable improvements in your daily tasks.
Next up: Window Snapping!