Is there a way to open a certain file using key bindings?

[howardbaik]

I use the {golem} framework for my Shiny apps. In RStudio, I have convenient keybindings where Ctrl+Shift+S opens the app_server.R file and Ctrl+Shift+U opens the app_ui.R file (both located in the R/ folder).

Can I set up similar custom keybindings in Positron to quickly access these golem framework files?

[jennybc]

Since you are interested in a fixed filename, I imagine you can adapt the example given here:

https://positron.posit.co/keyboard-shortcuts.html#custom-shortcuts

[howardbaik]

The closest I've gotten is:

  {
        "key": "ctrl+shift+s",
        "command": "workbench.action.files.openFile",
        "args": {
            "file": "${workspaceFolder}/R/app_server.R"
        }
    }

This keybinding opens the "Open File" dialog in Windows and navigates to the correct folder location (R/), but it doesn't automatically open the specific file.

[jennybc]

Perhaps it's a bit gross, but you could open it with R code, e.g. base::file.edit(). Something like:

{
    "key": "ctrl+shift+s",
    "command": "workbench.action.executeCode.console",
    "when": "editorTextFocus",
    "args": {
        "langId": "r",
        "code": "file.edit(\"foo\")",
        "focus": true
    }
}

[jennybc]

From some research, if you don't want to use R, it looks like you might need to make a custom task, then bind that to a keyboard shortcut. It doesn't appear that workbench.action.files.openFile can interpolate the workspaceFolder as is needed for this use case.

[howardbaik]

Thank you for your help.

I like the "gross" approach of using file.edit(), but it appears Positron doesn't support that function yet. I'm getting this error message:

I believe I'm using the latest version:

Positron Version: 2025.07.0 (user setup) build 204
Code - OSS Version: 1.100.3
Commit: 03ae7a5393c776bb24c23d2aa6a6bfbba90cbc5e
Date: 2025-06-30T16:48:57.049Z
Electron: 34.5.1
Chromium: 132.0.6834.210
Node.js: 20.19.0
V8: 13.2.152.41-electron.0
OS: Windows_NT x64 10.0.19045

[jennybc]

Ah, yeah, now you are seeing:

#8374

The gross approach does work for me on macOS, so this is Windows bug we will hopefully fix sooner rather than later.

[howardbaik]

Okay thank you for letting me know.

While Positron is still a WIP, the clear and timely communication from the Positron team makes using it an enjoyable experience.