One thing I really liked in Eclipse that is not in VS is the class view panel. I have no idea why that is missing, it is basically in every IDE down to almost emacs. There is a ‘Class Viewer’, but this is an object tree of all classes, and doesn’t follow along as you switch files.

My workaround, that is “not quite so lame but still very open to suggestions“, is to slide the Class View splitter almost to the top (exposing more class details space, less solution space), and then map refresh to F1. Yes F1 — I know it is supposed to be for help, but that is just stupid in an IDE. 911 is for help, function keys should map to common tasks (and not common features in programs).

So the setup is this:

• View>Window>Class View (enabled)
• drag the Class View to dock beside Solution View on the right.
• drag the mid bar way up
• Tools>Options>Environment::Keyboard — type “view.sync” into the Show Commands Containing input field
• Assign F1 to that in Press Shortcut Keys
• Be sure to click Assign to assign it.

While you are there you can map Copy to F3 and Paste to F4. Then you too can be happy like me, its fun.

Now anytime you want to see that view up to date just press F1. Yes, much lamer that auto update, but it is as close as I could get. It actually is pretty much OK like this.

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