How to Duplicate a Line in Visual Studio
When working in Visual Studio, it can be helpful to duplicate a line of code to save time and improve productivity. This article will guide you through the different methods and shortcuts available in Visual Studio for duplicating lines of code.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Visual Studio provides several keyboard shortcuts that you can use to quickly duplicate a line of code. The specific shortcut you need to use depends on the version of Visual Studio you are using:
- In Visual Studio 2022: Press
Ctrl + E,V. - In Visual Studio 2019: Press
Ctrl + D. - In Visual Studio 2017 (version 15.6 and later): Press
Ctrl + D. - In Visual Studio 2017 (pre-version 15.6): Press
Ctrl + E,V.
By using the appropriate keyboard shortcut, you can easily duplicate a line of code without the need to manually copy and paste.
Native Duplicate Code Command
Starting from Visual Studio 2017 version 15.6, a native feature called “Duplicate Code” was introduced, allowing you to duplicate lines of code directly within the editor. This feature streamlines the process of duplicating code while leaving your clipboard untouched. Here’s how it works:
- If you want to duplicate the line on which the cursor is located, simply press
Ctrl + D. The duplicated line will be inserted right below the original line. - If you want to duplicate a specific portion of code, first select the code you want to duplicate, and then press
Ctrl + D. The selected code will be duplicated exactly at the same position, preserving its indentation and formatting.
The native duplicate code command in Visual Studio 2017 provides a convenient and efficient way to duplicate lines or blocks of code, enhancing your coding workflow.
Sources
- Visual Studio Blog: Improving your productivity in the Visual Studio Editor
- Stack Overflow: Visual Studio Shortcut Key: Duplicate Line
- YouTube: Editor shortcuts in Visual Studio
FAQs
How do I duplicate a line of code in Visual Studio?
To duplicate a line of code in Visual Studio, you can use the following keyboard shortcuts:
- In Visual Studio 2022: Press
Ctrl + E,V. - In Visual Studio 2019: Press
Ctrl + D. - In Visual Studio 2017 (version 15.6 and later): Press
Ctrl + D. - In Visual Studio 2017 (pre-version 15.6): Press
Ctrl + E,V.
Can I duplicate a specific portion of code in Visual Studio?
Yes, you can duplicate a specific portion of code in Visual Studio by selecting the code you want to duplicate and then using the appropriate keyboard shortcut mentioned above. The selected code will be duplicated exactly at the same position, preserving its indentation and formatting.
What is the native duplicate code command in Visual Studio?
The native duplicate code command was introduced in Visual Studio 2017 version 15.6. It allows you to duplicate lines of code directly within the editor. The command is triggered by pressing Ctrl + D and duplicates the line on which the cursor is located, or the selected portion of code if there is a selection.
Does duplicating a line in Visual Studio affect the clipboard?
No, when using the native duplicate code command (Ctrl + D), duplicating a line of code in Visual Studio does not affect the clipboard. This means you can duplicate code without overwriting any content you may have copied to the clipboard.
Can I use duplicate code command in Visual Studio 2022?
Yes, in Visual Studio 2022, you can still use the native duplicate code command (Ctrl + E, V) to duplicate a line of code. This shortcut is carried over from previous versions of Visual Studio.
Are there alternative methods to duplicate code in Visual Studio?
Yes, besides using the keyboard shortcuts, you can also duplicate a line of code in Visual Studio by manually copying and pasting it. However, using the native duplicate code command is generally faster and more convenient.
Can I customize the shortcut for duplicating code in Visual Studio?
Yes, Visual Studio allows you to customize keyboard shortcuts according to your preferences. You can modify or assign a different shortcut for the duplicate code command through the Visual Studio Options menu.
Does Visual Studio Code have a similar feature for duplicating lines of code?
Yes, Visual Studio Code, a lightweight code editor, also provides a native duplicate line feature. In Visual Studio Code, you can duplicate a line of code by pressing Shift + Alt + Up Arrow or Shift + Alt + Down Arrow.