Demystifying Peek-less Navigation in VSCode: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of getting frustrated with the “Goto Location: Multiple Definitions” feature in VSCode? Do you wonder how “Peek-less navigation” works when you set it to “goto”? Look no further! In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of VSCode’s navigation system and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to harness the power of peek-less navigation.

What is Peek-less Navigation?

Peek-less navigation is a feature in VSCode that allows you to quickly jump to a specific location in your code without actually leaving your current location. This means you can explore different parts of your codebase without losing your place or having to constantly switch between files.

How does it work?

Peek-less navigation relies on VSCode’s symbol information, which is generated by the Language Server Protocol (LSP). The LSP provides VSCode with information about your code, including symbols, definitions, and references. When you use peek-less navigation, VSCode uses this information to display a preview of the symbol you’re interested in, allowing you to quickly navigate to it without actually leaving your current location.

The “Goto Location: Multiple Definitions” Conundrum

One of the most common issues with peek-less navigation is the “Goto Location: Multiple Definitions” feature. This feature is enabled by default in VSCode and allows you to navigate to multiple definitions of a symbol. However, when you set it to “goto”, things can get confusing.

When you set “Goto Location: Multiple Definitions” to “goto”, VSCode will take you directly to the first definition it finds, rather than displaying a peek view. This can be frustrating if you’re trying to explore different parts of your codebase.

How to Use Peek-less Navigation with “Goto Location: Multiple Definitions” set to “goto”

So, how do you use peek-less navigation when “Goto Location: Multiple Definitions” is set to “goto”? The answer lies in understanding how VSCode handles symbol information and navigation.

Step 1: Enable Peek-less Navigation

First, make sure peek-less navigation is enabled in your VSCode settings. You can do this by following these steps:

{
  "workbench.editor EnablePreview": true
}

This will enable peek-less navigation for all editors in VSCode.

Step 2: Use the Peek View

To use peek-less navigation with “Goto Location: Multiple Definitions” set to “goto”, you need to use the peek view. You can do this by following these steps:

1. Place your cursor on the symbol you want to navigate to.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + F12 (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + F12 (Mac) to open the peek view.
3. In the peek view, you’ll see a list of all the definitions for the symbol.
4. Select the definition you want to navigate to by clicking on it.
5. Press Esc to close the peek view and return to your original location.

By using the peek view, you can quickly explore different parts of your codebase without losing your place.

Advanced Peek-less Navigation Techniques

Now that you know the basics of peek-less navigation, let’s explore some advanced techniques to take your navigation skills to the next level.

Navigating to Implementations

Did you know you can use peek-less navigation to navigate to implementations of an interface or abstract class? To do this, follow these steps:

1. Place your cursor on the interface or abstract class.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + F12 (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + F12 (Mac) to open the peek view.
3. In the peek view, you’ll see a list of all the implementations of the interface or abstract class.
4. Select the implementation you want to navigate to by clicking on it.
5. Press Esc to close the peek view and return to your original location.

Navigating to References

You can also use peek-less navigation to navigate to references of a symbol. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Place your cursor on the symbol.
2. Press Shift + F12 (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + F12 (Mac) to open the references view.
3. In the references view, you’ll see a list of all the references to the symbol.
4. Select the reference you want to navigate to by clicking on it.
5. Press Esc to close the references view and return to your original location.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve explored the mysteries of peek-less navigation in VSCode, including how to use it with “Goto Location: Multiple Definitions” set to “goto”. By mastering peek-less navigation, you can take your coding productivity to the next level and explore your codebase with ease.

Summary of Key Takeaways

Here’s a summary of the key takeaways from this article:

• Peek-less navigation is a feature in VSCode that allows you to quickly jump to a specific location in your code without actually leaving your current location.
• The “Goto Location: Multiple Definitions” feature can be set to “goto” to take you directly to the first definition it finds.
• To use peek-less navigation with “Goto Location: Multiple Definitions” set to “goto”, use the peek view to explore different parts of your codebase.
• You can navigate to implementations of an interface or abstract class using peek-less navigation.
• You can navigate to references of a symbol using peek-less navigation.

Now, go forth and conquer the world of peek-less navigation in VSCode!

Shortcut	Windows/Linux	Mac
Open Peek View	Ctrl + Shift + F12	Cmd + Shift + F12
Open References View	Shift + F12	Cmd + Shift + F12

By mastering the shortcuts and techniques outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a peek-less navigation ninja in VSCode!

Frequently Asked Question

Get ready to dive into the world of “Peek-less navigation” in VSCode and unravel the mystery of how it works when “Goto Location: Multiple Definitions” is set to “goto”!