While writing JavaScript code, I often write debug messages to console using *console.log.* Though it is shorter than *System.out.println()* (hey, you Java!), which I am used to a lot, I still find it ineffective to type it every time.

So, I was following the approach to [bind console.log function to shorter name][1]. Here's another technique which is specific to Sublime Text.

[1]: https://veerasundar.com/blog/shortcut-to-console-log "Shortcut to console.log"

Using Sublime Text *Snippets* option, you can create a shortcut to a template and then you can insert that template in multiple places just by triggering the shortcut. Here's how I did it so that every time, I type *echo*, Sublime Text converts it into *console.log();*

Go to *Tools -> New Snippet*. Sublime will open a template in a new file. Now make sure you have this content in that file (or change it the way you want).

```xml
    <snippet>
    <content><![CDATA[
    console.log(
    ]]></content>
    
    <tabTrigger>echo</tabTrigger> -->
    
    <scope>source.js</scope>
    </snippet>
```

Then save this snippet file as *echo.sublime-snippet* under *Packages/User* folder. To find the location of *Packages/User* folder, in Sublime, go to *Preferences -> Browser packages* and note the location.

Restart sublime and then in a JavaScript file, start typing *echo* and Sublime will provide you with a dropdown to replace *echo* with the template you just created.

Creating a shortcut to console.log in Sublime Text 2


Notepad is the lightest yet powerful text editor I've ever came across. It's fast, slick and has been my [default text editor][1] for years.

[1]: https://veerasundar.com/blog/notepad-a-cool-source-code-editor

In the past, I've learned/discovered few tips that helped me a lot while using Notepad . In this post, I'm sharing those tips in the hope that it might help someone else too. If you know any other tips about Notepad , please feel free to share.

## 1. Transform your Notepad to a post-it

Re-size the Notepad editor window to the size you want and then **press F12** which will make the text editor to stick on top of all other windows and will hide toolbars/menu bars.

To get back original window, just click on the **Restore** button.

## 2. How to delete a Macro in Notepad

To delete a macro in Notepad , go to **Settings -> Shortcut Mapper -> Macros** and then right-click on the macro name which you want to delete and click **delete**.

## 3. Edit two files side by side in Notepad

Open the two files which you want to edit simultaneously. Right click on any one file's tab and then select **Move to other view** which will split the screen into two for each of the file.

Of course, you can have more than 2 files open at the same time, and you can move any file into any view. Just follow the above said tip.

## 4. Switching between vertical and horizontal split in side by side editing mode

When you edit two files side by side, the files can be split either vertically or horizontally. To switch between vertical Horizontal, right click on the bar which splits the views and then select **Rotate to Left** or **Rotate to Right**.

## 5. Auto close HTML/XML tag

Go to **TextFX -> TextFX Settings -> Autoclose XHTML/XML**. After checking that option, when ever you edit a html or xml file, the tags will be auto-closed as you type.


#editor (2)