IntelliSense Suggestion Mode

Keyboard:  CTRL + ALT + Spacebar
Menu:  Edit -> IntelliSense -> Toggle Completion Mode
Command:  Edit.ToggleCompletionMode
Versions:  2010
Published:  1/22/2010
Code:  vstipEdit0012

 

IntelliSense comes in two modes:  Completion and Suggestion.  You are already familiar with IntelliSense Completion mode, it's the traditional mode that we have all used for years.  But if you are into Test Driven Development (TDD) then Completion mode can be very annoying at times.  As a TDD developer we often use classes and members BEFORE they exist.  It's pretty annoying when you go to type the name of something that doesn't exist and you get IntelliSense.  Especially since you sometimes will accidentally get a an option you didn't want:

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The solution is Suggestion mode.  Just hit CTRL + ALT + Spacebar to go into this mode:

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Now you get the best of both worlds:  You can type in a name that doesn't exist AND have quick access to the Completion mode options as well.  The dangers of getting an option you don't want are removed.  Pretty cool stuff.