One of my most favorite special variables in OpenSCAD is $preview

This variable is True on preview (F5) and False on Render (F6). It allows you to work on complex assemblies without having to comment everything out just to render a single part for export!

$preview can also be combined with $fn to automatically increase fragment count for export

@janamarie do you have any experience with cadquery by any chance? If so, any thoughts you can give?
@vincentb Never tried it, looks interesting though!
@janamarie i know kicad uses it to generate 3d models and wanted to add a JST connector but it is still ony todo list haha