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Boost Your Productivity with Keyboard Shortcuts

· 3 min read

Keyboard shortcuts are an essential tool for web developers, as they can help speed up common tasks and improve efficiency in the development process. In modern browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, keyboard shortcuts can be especially helpful for debugging, as they allow developers to quickly access and navigate various development tools without needing to use their mouse or trackpad. We're also looking into why you should give a damn about shortcuts.

One of the key benefits of keyboard shortcuts is that they allow developers to quickly access and use the various debugging tools that are built into modern browsers. For example, in Chrome, developers can use the shortcut CTRL + SHIFT + I (CMD on Mac) to open the Developer Tools window, which provides a range of tools for inspecting and debugging web pages. This shortcut is much faster than using the mouse to click on the Developer Tools icon in the browser's toolbar.

Another great example is the use of CTRL + SHIFT + C to enter Inspect Element mode, which allows them to click on any element on a web page and see its HTML and CSS code. This can be very useful for quickly identifying and fixing problems with the layout or styling of a web page.

If you're curious about particular keyboard shortucts for web development, here are 10 Must Known Chrome Keyboard Shortcuts.

Why should I care?​

tl;dr

  1. Efficiency.
  2. Accuracy.
  3. Accessibility.

Let's expand on these:

  1. They can help speed up common tasks and improve efficiency in the development process.
  2. Keyboard shortcuts can also help to improve accuracy and precision in the development process. By using the keyboard to navigate and interact with the development tools, developers can avoid the potential for errors that can occur when using a mouse or trackpad, such as accidentally clicking the wrong element or button
  3. By using shortcuts you are contributing to the overall improvement of web applications. By using keyboard shortcuts to navigate and interact with web pages, developers can ensure that their applications are accessible and usable by users who may not be able to use a mouse or trackpad, such as those with motor impairments or users who prefer to use a keyboard

Tips for memorizing shortcuts​

Ultimately, the key to memorizing keyboard shortcuts is to make a conscious effort to use them regularly.

Another helpful tip is to customize the keyboard shortcuts to match the developer's individual preferences and workstyle. Most tools nowadays support this.

Conclusion​

Overall, keyboard shortcuts are an invaluable tool for web developers, as they can help speed up common tasks and improve efficiency in the development process. By learning and using these shortcuts, developers can save time and streamline their workflow, allowing them to focus on the important work of creating great web applications.

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