Show Quick Definition feature
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- Java
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Description
### Description
Hello,
Please consider adding ability to preview definition of the method or property "inline" without leaving context of the current method you are working on.
Use case: I am working on a large and complex method. I need to execute some other method from other file of library. I want to see implementation details of this method. Or I want to see how exactly some property was defined and it's definition is not currently on the screen. Currently to see such details I will use "ctrl+click" on the method and I will navigate to method definition. Later to return to my "previous" position I can use "alt+left". However such approach means that I jump between files or different places inside single file. If I could "preview" definition of method or property is a popup window without leaving current "context" (navigating to some other place) it will be more convenient.
Examples:
VSCode: open definition in a popup window. I can see details I am interested in without leaving current place where I make code chanegs^

In Eclipse you have similar functionality "shift+hover".
In Idea you have similar functionality "ctrl + shift + I"
Thanks,
Serhiy
### Use case/motivation
Ability to view method or property definition without leaving context of the current window is convenient. As current workaround you can use "Ctrl+click" to navigate to definition and use "alt+left" to return to previous position. However you still navigate between parts of the same file or go to the other file and this slightly distracts since you are switching contexts.
### Related issues
_No response_
### Are you willing to submit a pull request?
No
Contributor guide
Research direction
Start from NetBeans' existing Ctrl+click definition navigation for methods and properties, including the Alt+left return path. Define how a popup preview should preserve the current editing context and support the requested method/property definitions, then verify the behavior against the described VSCode, Eclipse, and IDEA workflows.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Tech stack
- java
- Domain
- desktop, developer-experience
- Issue type
- Feature
- Difficulty
- 5/5
- Estimated time
- Over a week
- Activity status
- Stale
- Clarity
- Mostly clear
- Newbie friendliness
- 25/100