Navigate files with VisualStudio 2008

Question

I am currently developing with VisualStudio 2008. I find it increasingly difficult to find files when the number of files and projects increase. The situation become so bad that I literally have to spend 10-20 seconds to find code I want to work on when switch between files. Sounds like not a lot of time, but this can be very annoying because it breaks the "coding flow".

I believe this is a general problem with all IDEs. But I still find it easier to work with Eclipse. One particular example is that in Eclipse, I could apply some key shortcut to find implementations defined in an Interface.(I have forgotten which key shortcut though, after not working with it for about 1 year.) Another example is that in VS 2008, rightclick->Find all references will find all occurrences containing the selected text(Update: This accusation is incorrect. Thanks for pointing it out); while similar operation in Eclipse will find all occurrences where the selected class/variable are referenced. Personally, I find the Eclipse way is better for file navigation.

This could be due to my inexperience with VS IDE. So, I am looking for suggestions to improve the file navigation experience so that I can get some more time for actual coding.

I have used the navigate buttons but they are only useful for small number of files. Thanks.

Answer 1

Have a look at Jetbrains Resharper. Ctrl N or Ctrl Shift N. To jump quickly to files by type name or by file name. Also you can control Click Classes to navigate to them instantly.

I can't even work in visual studio without it anymore. It virtually eliminates the need for the solution explorer

Answer 2

I agree wholeheartedly about ReSharper. If you don't want a "paid" solution though, a useful Visual Studio shortcut is

CTRL + ,

it gives a list of recently edited files.

CodeRush is a free alternative to ReSharper which you might find useful too.

Kindness,

Dan

Answer 3

SamTools for Visual Studio 2005/2008 (and I have a build for 2010 if someone needs it). The particular feature that's handy here is the Solution File List.

• You can right click the tab of any open document and Find In Solution Explorer or Show In Windows Explorer
• You can right click in the Solution File List for the same
• Unlike other solutions to this problem, this is a properly docking tool pane so it fits in great. Ctrl+Alt+F places you in the Filter box with the current text selected, so it's very easy to work with.

Oh and it's free/GPL. :)

Answer 4

The following links might help you to save your time:
http://www.12qw.ch/2009/08/visual-studio-tricks-track-active-item-mru-tab-order/
http://solutionnavigator.codeplex.com/

Answer 5

Dpack is also a free alternative with some nice file navigation shortcuts, but Resharper is the bomb.

BTW, they should have some more of this stuff in vs2010, which is in beta right now (I think)