Section 1.1: CodeGlance Pro

The first plugin we will examine is CodeGlance Pro, which introduces a highly beneficial feature to IntelliJ: a code minimap, a function you might be familiar with from other IDEs like VSCode or Sublime Text.

CodeGlance Pro creates a handy minimap of your code, acting as a quick visual reference to the overall layout of your code. This functionality allows you to swiftly navigate to particular sections or functions, which is especially advantageous when dealing with large files. Furthermore, the minimap highlights lines that contain compile errors or warnings.

What distinguishes CodeGlance Pro is its extensive customizability. You can modify various settings, such as pixels per line and different highlighting options. A feature I particularly admire is its adaptability — it not only functions within the code editor but also extends to the Run tab and the Diff viewer. This versatility is invaluable, particularly when navigating lengthy stack traces.

As Trevor Jones noted, if you require a map to find your way through your code, you might be contending with larger issues. However, I believe this plugin is especially useful for traversing legacy codebases as well as large JSON or XML files.

Ultimately, CodeGlance Pro serves as a time-saving asset for any developer utilizing IntelliJ.

The first video titled "5 IntelliJ IDEA Free Plugins to Increase Productivity" explores various plugins that can enhance your coding efficiency.

Section 1.2: GitToolBox

GitToolBox is an invaluable tool for anyone working with IntelliJ. Its primary advantage lies in its ability to present information that was previously hidden in multiple menus. It showcases:

• The currently active Git branch
• The number of commits you are ahead of or behind the remote
• The author of the line of code you are currently viewing (inline git blame)

While these features are not entirely new to IntelliJ, GitToolBox consolidates them into a more user-friendly format, allowing you to save precious clicks. As we know, fewer clicks equate to greater efficiency.

Another notable feature is the background fetching that GitToolBox performs periodically. This ensures you are always informed about new commits pushed to your upstream branch, which is particularly beneficial for early integration of changes to reduce the likelihood of merge conflicts.

Additionally, GitToolBox aids in composing commit messages. You can define a specific git message format, such as Conventional Commits, or utilize new autocomplete functionalities, like inserting the current branch name. While I do not personally take advantage of this feature due to our pre-commit hooks, it could be quite beneficial for other developers.

Section 1.3: Key Promoter X

Key Promoter X is not initially designed to save you time. In fact, when you first start using this plugin, it may slow down your workflow. However, this initial decrease in speed is a strategic investment in your future ability to utilize keyboard shortcuts effectively.

Each time you execute an action in IntelliJ without employing the pre-set keyboard shortcut, Key Promoter X will promptly alert you and display the appropriate shortcut to use. This feature is quite beneficial for boosting your efficiency, although it requires you to remain vigilant about the notification popups, which can easily be overlooked.

For those dedicated to mastering shortcuts, the plugin includes a Hard Mode. When activated, this mode necessitates the use of the suggested shortcut to dismiss the notification before you can continue working. While this may slow you down at first, the long-term benefits can lead to a significant enhancement in your coding speed and overall productivity.