SQL Developer Quirk

I've been using Oracle SQL Developer ever since I started working in my current company. It's simple and easy to use as long as you're just doing basic database stuff. I was able to use TOAD in my previous company and it was pretty okay, but it's so loaded with features that weren't all that useful for me as a simple developer. Don't get me wrong, the extra features on TOAD are awesome, but since I don't have much use for them I'd rather stick to something with a simpler interface.

Lately, I've been having problems with my SQL Developer. It started with just the inability to use my "cut" keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + X). I could "copy" and "paste" but not "cut". It was odd, but it wasn't a big deal, so just lived with it for a month or so.

Suddenly, this morning, I was typing up a simple Select query and then-WHUT! My backspace key wasn't working anymore, and neither was the Delete key. I couldn't navigate my cursor up, down, left, and right either. I couldn't execute my statement with the F9. I couldn't Select All (Ctrl + A) or highlight text without  using the mouse. What the heck was happening?! I closed/exited SQL Developer, hoping that it would resolve the problem, but IT DIDN'T. I asked my colleague, who is a data modeler, if he has ever encountered the same problem and he said he usually just restarts the program and the problem goes away. Nope, no luck with that. So, I turn to the next best thing: Google.

Seriously, Google is the best thing ever. I found the solution to my problem in less than a minute. The first search result that came up was from Giannis over at http://decoding.wordpress.com/. The very simple solution is as follows:

• In your Oracle SQL Developer, go to:

Tools > Preferences > Accelerators

• Click on the "Load Preset..." button on the lower right
• Click on "OK"
• Click on "OK"
• Voila!

*Note: I'm using Oracle SQL Developer version 1.5.4

This solution resolved all the problems I've been encountering with SQL Developer (at least everything I've mentioned above). If, somehow, you're directed to this page looking for help on the same situation, hopefully, this will help you. =)