General tips for Visual Studio 2022

1. Enable C# code suggestions

   Tools → Options → IntelliCode → `C# Suggestions` 
   

2. Enable GitHub Copilot Completions

   Tools → Options → Github → Copilot → `Enable Copilot Completions`
   

3. Specify project pathA path to the project can be specified upon project creation

4. Write notes in commented-out lines in projects → additionally / optionally link said notes or copy them in a code-notes page here in Notion

   <aside> 💡 To comment out lines in VSCode simply add //at the beginning of a line eg. //this line has been commented-out example of uncommented code: this line has not been commented-out and will be applied in the code structure

   </aside>

Debugging Tips

1. Use Breakpoints effectively

   <aside> Click in the left margin (gray area) or press F9 to set a breakpoint Press F5 to run in debug mode - program will pause at breakpoints Right-click breakpoints to set conditions (e.g., break when x > 10)

   </aside>

2. Master the Watch WindowDebug > Windows > Watch > Watch 1 to monitor variable values while debugging

3. Learn Debug Controls

   <aside> F10 - Step over (execute current line) F11 - Step into (go inside method calls) F5 - Continue to next breakpoint

   </aside>

Error Prevention

1. Common Mistakes to Watch For

   <aside>

   • Missing semicolons (;)
   • Using = instead of == for comparisons
   • Forgetting to close string quotes
   • Not handling exceptions with try-catch
   • Incorrect bracket placement { }

   </aside>

2. Use Error List WindowView > Error List to see all compilation errors and warnings

Best Practices

1. Follow the 40-20-40 Rule

   <aside>

   • 40% Planning & Understanding
   • 20% Implementation
   • 40% Testing & Refinement

   </aside>

2. Document Your CodeAdd comments to explain complex logic and maintain readability