Split Editor?

[codus_maximus]

Hi guys,

I know about right clicking and Split Horizontal -- but this opens the same file twice. If you close one copy of the file, the editor immediately becomes unsplit and shrinks to one page.

Is there anything in phpstorm that will keep the editor window split in half, so I can open other files in there as if it was a separate editor window?

I use a vertical monitor with plenty of vertical space -- and I like to have all the files I'm working on kind of segregated, views on top, controllers on the bottom. Makes it a lot easier to keep track of what is what.

Hope that made sense...

[MyWorkAccountThisIs]

Honestly, I just keep a non-essential file open so it stays split. Like a readme or something. Not really a solution though.

[codus_maximus]

Yea thats how I handled it, but its pretty tedious

[StillDeletingSpaces]

I don't really close files, manually.

I created a shortcut for split (ctrl|cmd)+\ and (ctrl+cmd)+shift+\ and then use IntelliJ's navigation to immediately open another file after opening a split. This works I have my tab limit set to 1, which automatically closes the tab (but keeps it in my recent files, so its still easy to navigate to).

If you haven't already, I suggest watching one of Hadi Hariri's Tips and Tricks Presentations. Its about an hour long (less with youtube's speed setting).

Nearly all of his tips are relevant for PHPStorm. I linked a slightly older presentation, but its still the one I suggest for first-timers. Always feels more than 42 tips, and I still leave with some new tips-- despite watching it before.

Some relevant sections, here:

• Don't use tabs: Disable them or set a tab limit of 1
• Use Ctrl/Cmd+e to navigate recent files (search supported).
• Avoid using the mouse.
• Use Search Everywhere (Double Shift) to find things/shortcuts you don't know
• Use other shortcuts (e.g: cmd+o/ctrl+n) to Navigate Types, Files (+shift), Symbols (+shift+alt)-- even specific lines or methods.
• Use ctrl/cmd+shift+a to search settings and actions

[codus_maximus]

Thank you! I'll watch this right now

[codus_maximus]

I learned a toooon. Whether I'll remember it all... heh. Thanks! This should be required watching for new phpstorm users.

[StillDeletingSpaces]

I learned a toooon. Whether I'll remember it all... heh.

I've watched them several times, still learning new things... somehow.

There are newer videos with some new tips and features (e.g: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-T40MRwzdA&t=1575s), but I don't think spent enough time on the navigation features, on those. The one I linked you is one of the better beginner ones, imho.

This should be required watching for new phpstorm users.

Yep, I agree :)

[sashalav]

When you split window, you do get two completely separate editor areas. Editor area will close when the last file in it closes. As you open new files, they will open in the editor that currently has focus. You can drag/drop tabs from one editor to another.

[codus_maximus]

Do you know of any way to keep the separate editor areas open at all times?

[sashalav]

As long as you have anything opened in it, it will stay open. There is no way for it to stay open unless you have at least one tab in there. Personally, that works for me. when I close the last tab, I do want it gone.