Using Content Assist

Use Content Assist to insert C/C++ elements of your project, and templates into your code. You can insert a template into your source code rather than retyping commonly-used snippets of code.

To insert a template or element:

  1. In the C/C++ editor, type at least the first letter of a template or element then Ctrl+Space.
    A list displays the templates Templates icon followed by the elements that start with the letter combination you typed.

    Editor View showing Content Assist Example
  2. Do one of the following:
    • Continue typing. The list shortens. When there is only one item in the list, it is automatically inserted.
    • Double-click an item in the list to insert it into your code.
    • Press Esc to close the Content Assist Window.

To set Content Assist preferences:

  1. Click Window > Preferences.
  2. Expand C/C++ and Editor.
  3. Select Content Assist.
    Content Assist Preferences
  4. Do the following:
    • To insert an element when you open Content Assist and it is the only item in the list, select the Insert single proposals automatically check box.
    • To automatically insert a common prefix of all proposals, select the Insert common prefixes automatically checkbox.
    • To display proposals in alphabetical order, rather than by relevance, select the Present proposals in alphabetical order checkbox.
    • To change Auto-Activation of content assist for ".", "->" or "::" triggers, select the appropriate checkboxes.
  5. Click OK.

Related concepts
Content Assist

Related tasks
Creating and editing templates
Importing and exporting templates

Related reference
Content Assist page
Templates page

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