# Using Content Assist

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

To insert a code template or element:

1. In the C/C++ editor, type at least the first letter of a code template or element then Ctrl+Space.
   A list displays the code templates followed by the elements that start with the letter combination you typed.
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 click C/C++ Editor.
3. Click the Content Assist tab.
4. Do the following:
   - To change the scope from which Content Assist retrieves its proposals, select either Search current file and included files or Search current project by selecting the appropriate the radio button.
   - 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 proposal, if it is the only one found when Content Assist is invoked, select the Enable auto activation checkbox.
   - To display proposals in alphabetical order, rather than by relevance, select the Present proposals in alphabetical order checkbox.
   - To change the amount of time Content Assist is permitted to parse proposals enter the value for Content Assist parsing timeout in the text box area.
   - Enable Auto activation of content assist for ".", "->" or "::" triggers by selecting the appropriate checkboxes.
   - To change the delay before Content Assist is automatically invoked for the triggers (shown above), enter the new delay in the Auto activation delay text box area.
   - To change the background color of the Content Assist dialog box, click the color palette button.
   - To change the foreground color of the Content Assist dialog box, click the color palette button.
5. Click OK.

Content Assist

Creating and editing code templates
Importing and exporting code templates

Content Assist page, Preferences window
Code Templates page