RubyMine includes several commands to quickly perform common tasks, such as converting a Hash from Ruby 1.8 to 1.9 syntax, or viewing an object’s documentation without leaving the current file. These powerful commands eliminate tedious editing and context switching. In this post, we’ll explore them on OS X.
Intentions/Quick Fixes
A lightbulb icon indicates intentions are available for the current line. View them with alt/option + enter
.
Quick Documentation Lookup
View documentation inline with F1
.
Use shift + F1
to view it in an external web browser.
Quick Definition
If the docs are no help, press alt/option + space
to view the definition inline.
This is a useful way to check if something is defined.
Quick Evaluate Expression
During a debugging session, inspect an object inline with command + alt/option + F8
.
Quick Switch Scheme
Switch the color scheme, code style scheme, keymap, or look and feel with control + `
Simple But Powerful
RubyMine’s “quick” commands showcase the power of an IDE. Intentions/quick fixes was the feature that convinced me to dive deeper into RubyMine. Viewing information inline saves time, and avoids losing focus. Once integrated into your workflow, “quick” commands will become some of your most used commands.