Probably I need to add 3rd monitor to my laptop system, or maybe I’m not organized enough. But as a matter of fact: I want to have as many source files as possible open in Eclipse. But there is simply not enough screen real estate to show them all:
Many source files open
With that many source files open, I need an effective way to switch between the files.
So far I used Ctrl+Tab to iterate through the files:
Ctrl+Tab Pop-Up
With this I can ‘tab’ through the open source files. But this not efficient for a large list of files.
A better way is to use Ctrl+E: This opens a similar pop-up window:
Ctrl+E Pop-Up
Here I can use a filter to find my file I want to switch to:
Filter with Ctr+E
Best of all: I do not need a mouse or any click: I can keep my hands on the keyboard :-).
In case Ctrl+E does not work for your Eclipse distribution: the shortcut is configured in the preferences:
Quick Switch Editor Shortcut Configuration
Happy Switching 🙂
MCU on Eclipse 
Funny, I want the opposite – less files open but related to what I’m doing now (the present task). To do this I use the Mylyn plugin. This keeps track of what you are working on in a task-based way and only shows you those files in the editor space. I don’t use Bugzilla or anything else but the local task database. You might want to give it a look.
LikeLike
Hi Tom,
yes, Mylyn is on my radar for a while, so when I find some time, I’ll definitely have a look.
LikeLike
Ctrl+Tab is not the default to switch between open files, but Ctrl+F6. But I also make this change in the shortcut mappings.
And thanks for the Ctrl+E Tip!
LikeLike
Hi Adrian,
indeed the shortcuts depend on the Eclipse distribution. Best if you check/verify the shortcuts under Window > Customize Perspective > Shortcuts.
LikeLike
…and for us short curt lovers: CTRL+SHIFT+L for a quick overview and CTRL+SHIFT+L again to open the editor… 😉
BTW: For all mac users – as usual, replace CTRL with CMD
LikeLike
More shortcuts for the shortcut lovers :-):
https://mcuoneclipse.com/2012/04/15/10-best-eclipse-shortcuts/
LikeLike
Nice article. My other most favorite short cuts are: CTRL+SHIFT+T to open any java class (type) and CTRL-SHIFT-R to open any resource – way quicker than searching in the Package Browser. Also you can gain more screen estate by closing the outline view (at least for Java). Simply hit CTRL+O to open the overlay outline.
LikeLike
Hi Andy,
many thanks for the additional shortcuts!
LikeLike