Force.com IDE Developer Guide

Force.com IDE UI Overview
Getting Started with the Force.com IDE
Developing with the Force.com IDE
Force.com Project Basics
Force.com Wizards
Apex Editor
Apex Code Assist
Execute Anonymous View
Server Synchronization
Testing Code with the Force.com IDE
Deploying Code with the Force.com IDE
Getting Started with the Apex Debugger
Useful References
PDF

Apex Code Assist

Apex code assist is activated when you begin to type a valid line of Apex in the editor. Code assist opens a list of available code completions that aid in both development speed and accuracy.

The Apex code assist proposal window displaying valid items
To use code assist:
  1. Insert the cursor in the editor area.
  2. If you are typing a class or variable name, type a dot (“.”) and pause for a moment, and the proposal window opens. Otherwise press Ctrl + Space on the keyboard to activate the proposal window.
  3. Use the mouse or keyboard to select an item from the list.
  4. Click or press Enter on a selected line in the list to insert the selection into the editor.