Code Templates

Type the first letters from the template name and trigger Content Assist. Code templates are preceded by the “Template” keyword.

../../_images/code_templates.gif

Custom Templates

VS Code allows to create a custom code template, using the Code Snippets feature. Use the Snippets: Configure User Snippets command and choose a language for which the snippets should appear. Alternatively, you can choose to configure snippets at a workspace or global level.

For a comprehensive reference regarding custom snippets structure see the Code Snippets - Create your own snippets chapter in the official VS Code documentation.

To insert a custom code snippet, you can either use the content assist or the Snippets: Insert Snippet command.

Aside from using snippets, you can customize your code templates at a project level by using the following commands:

  • Create a New Code Template…

  • Edit Code Template…

  • Remove Code Templates…

  • Restore Removed Code Templates

Create a New Code Template

Use the Create a New Code Template… command to create a new code template:

../../_images/vscode_create_a_new_code_template.gif

Fields of the interface:

  • Name: The name of the template, displayed in the UI when using Content Assist

  • Description: A short description of the code template

  • Nature: Set for which project nature the template will be available. In single nature projects, this field is read-only (pre-filled with the project nature), otherwise it will contain a drop-down with all available natures

  • Pattern: This information will be inserted in the file when you choose the template from content assist

Edit Code Template

Use the Edit Code Template… command to edit an existing default / custom template.

../../_images/vscode_edit_code_template.gif

Fields of the interface:

  • Name: The name of the template, displayed in the UI when using Content Assist

  • Description: A short description of the code template

  • Nature: Specifies for which project nature the template will be available (read-only)

  • Pattern: This information will be inserted in the file when you choose the template from content assist

Remove Code Templates

This command allows you to delete multiple code templates at the same time, by selecting them from the available list and pressing OK.

Restore Removed Default Code Templates

By calling this command, all the previously deleted code templates will be restored, allowing you to use them again.

../../_images/vscode_remove_and_restore_code_templates.gif