Why Do I Recommend That You Learn to Type with 10 Fingers Before Learning Coding?

Fanan_Fadhil
6 min readMay 30, 2023
Photo by Danial Igdery on Unsplash

Why Do I Recommend That You Learn to Type with 10 Fingers Before Learning Coding?

Introduction

In today’s digital world, coding has become an essential skill. However, many aspiring coders overlook a fundamental aspect that can greatly impact their coding journey: typing proficiency. Before delving into the complex world of coding languages and algorithms, it is crucial to master the art of typing efficiently. This article will explain why learning to type with 10 fingers is highly recommended before embarking on your coding endeavors. Additionally, we will provide you with a list of top-notch websites where you can hone your typing skills.

Why Do I Recommend That You Learn to Type with 10 Fingers Before Learning Coding?

Typing with 10 fingers, also known as touch typing, offers several advantages that directly translate to coding proficiency. Let’s explore some key reasons why I strongly recommend this approach.

1. Speed and Accuracy Matter in Coding

Coding involves typing lengthy lines of code, often with complex syntax. The ability to type quickly and accurately can significantly boost your productivity as a coder. With touch typing, you can seamlessly translate your thoughts into code without stumbling over the keyboard. This efficiency allows you to focus more on problem-solving and less on typing errors.

2. Efficient Workflow and Time Optimization

Efficiency is paramount when it comes to coding. By mastering touch typing, you eliminate the need to constantly glance at the keyboard, enabling you to maintain a continuous workflow. Your fingers will effortlessly glide over the keys, resulting in a seamless coding experience. This optimized workflow ultimately saves valuable time and allows you to complete coding tasks more swiftly.

3. Reduced Cognitive Load

Learning to touch type effectively reduces the cognitive load required for typing. When your fingers instinctively know the keyboard layout, you can allocate more mental resources to understanding and implementing coding concepts. This increased cognitive capacity enhances your ability to comprehend complex code structures, making your coding journey smoother and more enjoyable.

4. Enhanced Code Quality

Typos and syntax errors can be a significant hurdle for coders. By developing strong touch typing skills, you minimize the risk of introducing unnecessary bugs into your code. Typing accurately ensures that the code you write reflects your intended logic, eliminating hours of debugging and troubleshooting. This attention to detail enhances the quality of your code and improves overall programming efficiency.

5. Adaptability to New Technologies

The world of coding is ever-evolving, with new programming languages and frameworks emerging regularly. By mastering touch typing, you cultivate a transferable skill that transcends programming languages. This adaptability allows you to seamlessly transition between coding projects and languages, ensuring you can tackle any coding challenge that comes your way.

6. Collaborative Coding Made Easy

Collaboration is a vital aspect of coding, whether it’s working on a team project or seeking guidance from fellow developers. When you can type effortlessly, you can actively participate in coding discussions, contribute to code reviews, and effectively communicate with your peers. Touch typing empowers you to engage more actively in the coding community, opening doors to valuable learning opportunities.

Website Recommendations for Learning to Type

To embark on your touch typing journey, you need the right tools and resources. Here are some highly recommended websites where you can learn and practice touch typing:

1. TypingClub:

TypingClub

TypingClub offers free typing lessons and interactive exercises suitable for all skill levels. With a user-friendly interface and engaging lessons, TypingClub makes learning touch typing an enjoyable experience.

2. Keybr:

Keybr

Keybr provides personalized typing lessons that adapt to your skill level. Its AI-powered algorithm dynamically adjusts the difficulty, ensuring an optimal learning curve. Keybr also offers insightful statistics to track your progress.

3. Typing.com:

Typing.com

Typing.com offers a comprehensive typing curriculum suitable for beginners and advanced learners alike. With a wide range of lessons, games, and typing tests, this website provides a well-rounded typing education.

4. Nitro Type:

Nitro Type

Nitro Type gamifies the typing experience by combining racing games with typing challenges. Compete against others in online races while improving your typing speed and accuracy.

5. Ratatype:

Ratatype
Ratatype

Ratatype offers an extensive collection of typing lessons, exercises, and tests. With its user-friendly interface and engaging content, Ratatype is an excellent choice for those aiming to master touch typing.

6. Typing.io:

Typing.io

Typing.io focuses on improving your coding-related typing skills. It provides exercises that involve typing real code snippets from popular programming languages, allowing you to practice typing in a programming context.

Now that you have an array of recommended websites, take the initiative to enhance your typing skills. Remember, learning to type with 10 fingers before diving into coding is a wise investment of your time and effort.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Is touch typing essential for becoming a proficient coder?

A1: Yes, touch typing is highly recommended for aspiring coders. It enhances your coding efficiency, accuracy, and overall productivity, allowing you to focus more on problem-solving and less on typing errors.

Q2: Can I learn touch typing on my own?

A2: Absolutely! Numerous online resources, including the websites mentioned earlier, provide comprehensive touch typing lessons. With dedication and practice, you can master touch typing independently.

Q3: How long does it take to learn touch typing?

A3: The time required to learn touch typing varies for each individual. With consistent practice, it is possible to achieve proficiency within a few weeks or months. Remember, practice regularly to reinforce your muscle memory.

Q4: Will touch typing benefit me beyond coding?

A4: Absolutely! Touch typing is a transferrable skill that benefits various aspects of life, such as professional work, writing documents, and even casual internet browsing. It is a valuable skill worth investing in.

Q5: Can I learn touch typing on a mobile device?

A5: While touch typing is primarily associated with physical keyboards, you can also practice it on mobile devices. Numerous typing apps are available for smartphones and tablets, providing an opportunity to improve your typing skills on the go.

Q6: Can I use a typing software for learning touch typing?

A6: Yes, typing software and applications can be valuable tools for learning touch typing. They offer structured lessons, exercises, and assessments to help you gradually improve your typing speed and accuracy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning to type with 10 fingers before embarking on your coding journey is a decision that will significantly benefit your coding skills. The advantages of touch typing, including increased speed, accuracy, efficiency, reduced cognitive load, and enhanced code quality, cannot be overstated. By allocating time to learn touch typing and utilizing the recommended websites, you set yourself up for success as a coder. So, don’t delay — start practicing touch typing today and witness the positive impact it has on your coding endeavors.

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Fanan_Fadhil

i am a software engineering student, interest on embedded system