Best way to learn Visual Studio power features

Question

Hi,

What's the best way to learn the advanced features in Visual Studio? For e.g. using Debug windows like Threads, Memory etc., using the various Tools which come inbuilt such as Spy++ etc. Are there any good advanced/power-user tutorials around?

Thanks, Nikhil

Answer 1

Typically a good google search will result in tutorials showing you the things you need. Otherwise, I find that just playing around with the items, and seeing what they do goes a long way as well.

Answer 2

I like to read Sara Ford's VS Tip of the Day. It allows you to learn the features one at a time if you subscribe to the RSS feed. Or, if you search through the archives, you will find a lot of advanced features. Currently, there are 315 tips, and she adds a new one every day!

Answer 3

Explore the keyboard shortcuts mapper in the options menu. It lists practically every atomic action you can take in the IDE. When you see a feature you don't know that looks interesting, google it. This will greatly empower your key-fu.

Answer 4

There are some good hotkey posters out there. Google for them (they come in various sizes, and in BW or color).

Pick two that you don't know, but think you should use. Then try to use them throughout the day. Pick two more the next day, and wash, rinse, repeat.

You'll find that some of the "cool tips" that you find, are only used once every blue moon. And others that you think are "blah", you'll use daily.