QuickCode.NET is a text expanding add-in for Microsoft Visual Studio (separate versions available for VS 2003 and VS 2005).  You simply type a “Quick Code” pattern, press Alt+Q, and it expands the Quick Code including any tokens you setup in the pattern.  This is one of the most useful productvity tools I have found in my 10 years of professional programming.

I have personally used this application daily since March 2006 and it’s saved me countless hours of redundant typing.

This is what I like about QuickCode.NET:

• It lets me focus on writing logic code
  I don’t have to spend my time typing the same code over and over, all day long. I can expand simple or complex blocks of code with one line and a hotkey press.

• It supports multiple programming languages with the same quick code pattern
  You can create Quick Codes for use in C#, J#, VB.NET, HTML, and also includes a generic type. This is really handy if you are using multiple .NET languages. Each Quick Code can contain code for the supported languages so you don’t have to remember a different Quick Code for each language.

• It helps me maintain coding practices and keeps my code consistent
  I can force myself to adhere to coding standards by how I design my Quick Codes. If I use the Quick Code every time, my code is consistent and easily readable in the future.

• It’s flexible, integrated, and easy to use
  QuickCode.NET is integrated into Tools menu in the Visual Studio IDE, so it’s quick and easy to view and edit Quick Codes.

The only thing I don’t like about QuickCode.NET is that you can’t change the hotkey; or at least I haven’t figured out how to change it yet.  The Alt+Q hotkey is too cumbersome for me since I have to move my left hand off the keys to press it.  I would settle for Ctrl+Shift+Q.  At least I could press that comfortably without disrupting my typing.

Here’s a quick example of one of my Quick Codes: 

If I wanted to add a new String property to class, this is what I would type in the editor:

pvs OrderNumber

I press Alt+Q and this is what I get:

Dim m_OrderNumber as String
Public Property OrderNumber As String
 Get
  If IsNothing(m_orderNumber)
    Return String.Empty
  Else
    Return m_orderNumber
  End If
 End Get
 Set(Byval Value As String)
    m_orderNumber = Value
 End Set
End Property


I defined Quick Codes for all the data types, which makes adding properties to business objects quick and painless.  My simple example is only scratching the surface of how helpful this little tool is, but I’m sure you can already see tons of uses for it in your work.

Make sure you check out the QuickCode website.  They have tons of user submitted Quick Codes, although, they are not categorized in any way. 

Link