The Keyboard Shortcut

If you're eager to get straight to the point, here's the keyboard shortcut you need for both Mac and Windows users:

For Mac: Press Command + Shift + F

For Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + F

The only difference lies in the use of the Command key on Mac versus the Ctrl key on Windows.

Accessing the Menu Action

In case you forget the keyboard shortcuts, you can always find the option by navigating to the menu: Edit > Find > Find in Files… This will open the search functionality while also displaying the corresponding shortcut.

Understanding the Find in Files Interface

When you search for a term, you'll see a list of results indicating where the term appears in the project. For example, if you search for clone() in a Spring Boot project, you might find:

• 11 matches across 9 different files
• The filename displayed next to each result
• The line number on the left indicating where the match occurs

You can navigate through the results using the keyboard or by clicking through the list, which will provide more context at the bottom of the window.

For a comprehensive view, you can click "Open in Find Window," which consolidates the results into a single interface. IntelliJ IDEA allows you to utilize various tools within this window:

• Exclude specific directories from your results
• Jump directly to the source code
• Return to the Find in Files dialog
• Sort entries alphabetically

For further guidance on the functionalities and icons within the Find tool window, refer to the official documentation.

Searching for Specific File Types

At the top of the Find in Files window, you'll find a feature called "File Mask." This allows you to limit your search to specific file types. You can choose from existing types or input your own, utilizing wildcard operators to refine your search. This feature is particularly helpful when searching exclusively for .java files without wading through unrelated file types.

This simple yet powerful keyboard shortcut can drastically enhance your efficiency when working on larger projects. It has proven invaluable in scenarios where I need to locate specific strings or refactor code. The ability to edit in place within the Find in Files window further simplifies the process, allowing for quick adjustments without the hassle of switching between multiple tabs.

In summary, integrating this feature into your IntelliJ IDEA toolkit will undoubtedly prove beneficial, making your development experience smoother and more productive.