Refactoring
- Rename
- Extract Method
- Encapsulate Field
- Change Signature
- Move Implementation to Source File
- Add Member
- Add Similar Member
- Document Method
- Create Declaration
- Create Implementation
Writing Code
- Suggestion Lists
- Acronyms
- Shorthand
- Surround Selection
- Insert of }, ), ]
- VA Snippets
- Format after Paste
- Multiple Clipboards
- Insert _ after m and Shift
Reading Code
- Enhanced Syntax Coloring
- Local Symbols in Bold
- Stable Symbols in Italics
- Highlight Matching {} and ()
- Column Indicator
- Highlight Current Line
Search and Navigation
- VA Outline
- Find References
- Find by Context
- Goto
- List Methods in File
- Open File in Solution
- Find Symbol in Solution
- Open Corresponding File
- Most Recently Used List
- Navigate Back and Forward
- Move Scope
Corrections
- Underline Spelling Errors
- Underline Mistyped Symbols
- Highlight Mismatching {} and ()
- Repair Case
- Convert Dot to ->
Enhanced IntelliSense
- Enhanced Listboxes
- Parameter Info
- Hovering Tooltips
- Hovering Class Browser
- Context Field
- Definition Field
Configuration
Features for VC6
Context Field
Click on any symbol and see its context at the top of your source window. Finish typing a symbol and make sure you reference the correct version. You need not wait for a hovering tooltip.
When not on a symbol, the context field contains a yellow arrow and identifies your current scope. You know how deep you are in nested code.
List Methods in File
Click the Down Arrow at the right of the Context field to list methods in file.
Move Scope
Use the tiny arrows to the right of the Context field to move scope.
Global Scope
When the caret is at global scope, i.e. not in a method or function, the Context contains the name of the current file. The Definition field contains the full path of the file.
Icons
Icons in the left of the Context field indicate the scope of the current symbol:
Defined in current file.
Defined in current workspace.
Defined outside of workspace, i.e. considered a stable symbol.
CWnd indicates the symbol is defined outside of the current workspace.
Whereas, the icon for
myWnd indicates the symbol is defined in the current file. The balance of the Context field tells us myWnd is defined in OnLButtonUp.
Navigation Bar
Most of the information provided by the Navigation bar in Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and Wizard Bar in Microsoft Visual C++ is provided in the Context field. If you prefer the Context field, you might elect to hide the default bar. Do this in the options dialog of the IDE.
Copying Context
Right+Click in the Context field to copy its content. When the Context field displays context or scope, only copy has any meaning. The remaining items in the Right+Click menu apply only when the Context field is used to list methods in file.
Duplicate Context
Although uncommon, two unrelated symbols have the same context when they are defined using a common name, at the same level of scope, and within the same method.
Errant Context
Refrain from leaving unmatched braces and parentheses in your code. They adversely effect scope. Some symbols may appear with the wrong context, with incorrect syntax coloring, or become underlined as if they are no longer defined.Top or Bottom
Specify the location of the Context and Definition fields in the options dialog. Disable the feature, or eliminate the Navigation Bar in the IDE, to conserve the space in your source windows.
Miscellaneous
Context contains only a name when the caret is moved inside a standalone function, i.e. a function not part of a class.Clicking on an unknown symbol makes the Context field go blank.