kdb Visual Studio Code Extension Shortcuts

This page lists useful keyboard shortcuts available the kdb Visual Studio Code Extension.

Shortcuts provide a fast way to run code, navigate q definitions, switch execution targets, and work with scratchpad features. They are especially valuable when iterating quickly in Workbooks, Notebooks, or source files, or when frequently switching between q, SQL, and Python execution.

Most shortcuts work the same across q files, Python files, Workbooks, and Notebooks, as long as the file is associated with a connection or a REPL session. Some actions, such as Populate Scratchpad and Reset Scratchpad, are available only when using a kdb Insights Enterprise connection.

For Windows

Key	Action
F12	Go to definition
Shift + F12	Go to references
Ctrl + Shift + F12	Find all references
Ctrl + D	Execute current selection
Ctrl + Shift + E	Execute current block
Ctrl + Shift + D	Execute entire file
Ctrl + Shift + Y	Toggle parameter cache for lambda
Ctrl + Shift + Alt + P	Populate Scratchpad
Ctrl + Shift + Delete	Reset Scratchpad
Ctrl + Alt + T	Choose the execution target

For MacOS

Key	Action
F12	Go to definition
Shift + F12	Go to references
⌘ + Shift + F12	Find all references
⌘ + D	Execute current selection
⌘ + Shift + E	Execute current block
⌘ + Shift + D	Execute entire file
⌘ + Shift + Y	Toggle parameter cache for lambda
⌘ + Shift + Alt + P	Populate Scratchpad
⌘ + Shift + Delete	Reset Scratchpad
⌘ + Alt + T	Choose the execution target

Reference card

For a complete list of commands, keyboard shortcuts, execution modes, and configuration tips, refer to the Reference Card.