What keyboard shortcuts should EVERY Oracle SQL Developer user know? How do you find new shortcuts to master, and how do you change them to match ones you’ve already learned in other tools?

These are the driving questions for today’s post.

While some of us may be keyboard ninjas, and others are more driven to use the mouse – everyone has probably picked up a few strategic keyboard shortcuts over the years. For example, I’ve personally JUST memorized the Cmd-Shift-4 ‘trick’ in Mac OS X. And of course we all know what F1 does, right? Right?!?

Here are a few more keyboard shortcuts to commit to memory.

My Favorite SQL Developer Shortcuts

1. ctrl-enter : executes the current statement(s)
2. F5 : executes the current code as a script (think SQL*Plus)
3. ctrl-space : invokes code insight on demand
   
   

   Code Editor – Completion Insight – Enable Completion Auto-Popup (Keyword being Auto)

4. ctrl-Up/Dn : replaces worksheet with previous/next SQL from SQL History
5. ctrl-shift+Up/Dn : same as above but appends instead of replaces
6. shift+F4 : opens a Describe window for current object at cursor
7. ctrl+F7 : format SQL
8. ctrl+/ : toggles line commenting
9. ctrl+e : incremental search

Configuring Keyboard Shortcuts in SQL Developer

Tools > Preferences > Shortcut Keys

Some tips…

• Sort by category
• Pay special attention to the ‘Code Editor’ and ‘Other’ categories
• Mind the conflicts when you change the defaults
• Be nice – share! You can save your new mappings with your co-workers using the Export and Import buttons

When I get ‘bored’ or if I think I might be missing something, I peruse the Code Editor and Other categories, again! I’ve picked up quite a few cool editor tricks here. Then I blog about them, like they’re ‘magic.’ #EvilLaugh

But the main tip is this – don’t let your previously memorized keyboard shortcuts SHORTCUT your usage of SQL Developer. If your fingers have already memorized some keystrokes, just re-program SQL Developer to match!

What’s your favorite shortcut?

I’ll use the most popular shortcut mentioned in the comments to round out my Top 10 list above!