VS Code C# Workflow Shortcuts

Problem Context

C# developers who switched from JetBrains Rider to VS Code with the C# Dev Kit miss two critical features: quickly highlighting the current file in the Solution Explorer and collapsing code to method signatures (like Rider’s Ctrl+M, Ctrl+O). These features are part of their daily coding workflow, and without them, they waste time manually navigating and folding code.

Pain Points

Developers struggle with two main issues: (1. They can’t instantly see the current file in the Solution Explorer, forcing them to manually scroll or search, and (2) They lack a keyboard shortcut to collapse all code down to method signatures, which disrupts their focus and slows down code review. They’ve tried searching for extensions or native VS Code features but found no direct equivalents.

Impact

The lack of these features causes *wasted time- (5+ hours/week per developer) and reduced productivity, as developers must context-switch between manual tasks and coding. For freelancers or teams billing by the hour, this directly translates to lost revenue. Frustration also leads to consideration of switching back to Rider or other IDEs, which costs money and time to re-onboard.

Urgency

This problem is urgent because it happens every single day during coding. Developers can’t ignore it—either they accept the inefficiency or spend time hunting for workarounds. The longer they go without a solution, the more they question their choice of VS Code, risking a costly migration back to a paid IDE like Rider.

Target Audience

Beyond the original poster, this affects all C# developers using VS Code + C# Dev Kit, including backend engineers, full-stack developers, and .NET specialists. It also applies to teams using VS Code for .NET development, where standardized workflows are critical. Freelancers and small teams feel this pain most acutely, as their billable hours are directly impacted.

Solution Approach

A *VS Code extension- that replicates Rider’s missing features: (1. *auto-highlighting the current file- in the Solution Explorer with a keyboard shortcut, and (2) *adding a shortcut to collapse all code to method signatures- (Ctrl+M, Ctrl+O equivalent). The extension would integrate deeply with VS Code’s API to provide a seamless, native-like experience without requiring manual configuration.

Key Features

1. Method-Level Code Folding: Add a customizable shortcut (e.g., Ctrl+M, Ctrl+O) to collapse all code down to method signatures in one click.
2. Customizable Shortcuts: Let users remap the shortcuts to their preferred keybindings.
3. Dark/Light Mode Support: Ensure the extension works seamlessly across all VS Code themes.

User Experience

Developers install the extension in one click from the VS Code Marketplace. They set their preferred shortcuts in the extension’s settings (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+H for file highlighting). While coding, they press the shortcuts to instantly highlight their file or collapse code—just like in Rider. The extension runs silently in the background, requiring no additional setup or maintenance.

Differentiation

Unlike fragmented free extensions (e.g., one for file highlighting, another for folding), this tool combines both missing features into one reliable, well-tested package. It’s also faster and more polished than manual workarounds (e.g., searching the Solution Explorer or using generic folding shortcuts). The extension is built by developers for developers, ensuring it solves the exact pain points they face daily.

Scalability

The product can grow by adding more Rider-like shortcuts (e.g., ‘Go to Implementation’) or team features (e.g., syncing folding states across a team). A freemium model (free tier with ads/limited features, $10/month for full access) allows for organic growth. Enterprise teams can purchase seat-based licensing for standardized workflows across their development teams.

Expected Impact

Developers save *5+ hours per week- by eliminating manual navigation and folding tasks. Teams see faster code reviews and fewer context switches, leading to higher productivity. Freelancers and small businesses *recover billable hours- and reduce the temptation to switch back to Rider. The extension becomes a *must-have tool- for C# developers in VS Code, creating stickiness and recurring revenue.