Touch typing and having the right typing speed can be highly beneficial for programmers in terms of efficiency.
It can enable them to make coding a less time-consuming task because they can finish writing a piece of code in less time as compared to the programmer who is slower at typing.
However, it has little or no impact on their programming concepts which actually determines their career success.
Touch typing is a method of typing without the use of the sense of sight, or simply by feeling the keyboard.
However, the sense of touch is only slightly involved since this typing method is governed by muscle memory through rigorous training with the proper typing method.
This was first invented in 1888 and has since been performed on the QWERTY keyboard.
Typing speed refers to the number of words a person can type accurately in one minute.
In simpler terms, it is the average number of words per minute (WPM) a person types.
The percentage of accuracy can also be derived. Statistics from around the world show that on average, males type up to 44 words per minute and females type around 37 words per minute, with an error rate of 8 out of 100 words.
After understanding the two terms, two questions arise; one, is touch typing necessary for programmers, and two, is typing speed important for programmers?
We will be answering them separately.
Without further ado, let us get started.
Is touch typing necessary for programmers?
Touch typing is not a necessity if you are a programmer.
It does affect how accurately and fast you type, but you can still do good as a programmer without touch typing.
That is why many programmers opine that spending more time on designing should be a priority rather than bringing improvement in your typing style.
Since we are discussing touch typing, it must be noted that learning to touch type can lead to an increase in typing speed by upto 5 times; you can end up typing 100 words per minute.
And with practice over time, you can break the world record of typing 216 words per minute.
Although an increase in the typing speed due to touch typing is a huge benefit as it saves valuable time, one cannot attribute a programmer’s success to his typing style.
Hence, if you want to make it as a programmer, the necessity is to sharpen your coding skills.
Is typing speed important for programmers?
Typing speed might seem like a vital component of programming.
But, this judgment is flawed. The truth is typing speed is a vital component of ‘efficient’ programming only.
So, if you are looking for efficiency over accomplishments as a programmer, then yes. Typing speed is important.
On the contrary, it must be kept in mind that one can make his/her name as a successful programmer majorly based on what they have achieved so far, rather than how efficiently they can write code.
Considering such achievements of a programmer as the highlight, typing speed is not so important.
It is quality over quantity in this profession.
Now that we have analyzed the need for typing speed and touch typing, let me ask you a question.
Are you a programmer worried about your typing speed?
Or do you want to know more about general typing speed trends among programmers?
If yes, keep your focus right on this article. We will now divert our attention to the typing speed of programmers in general and recommendations regarding it.
Are programmers fast typers?
Programmers are able to type faster as compared to non-programmers.
Most of the days in a programmer’s life are spent in front of a laptop typing in codes.
This leads your muscle memory to become stronger.
As a result, you can automatically shift to touch typing which is a major contributor to an increase in typing speed.
Touch typing is basically just like anything else you learn.
For instance, if you start to learn the basics of driving, it will start coming to you naturally once you practice.
Similarly, if you keep on writing codes without the use of sight, at some point, you will become proficient at it.
Recommended typing speed for Programmers
Programmers, on average, type at the rate of 40 to 70 WPM.
In general, a score of 57 WPM is considered great.
One of the fastest typists around the world can reach the level of 150 to 300 WPM but, in the case of coders, it is unlikely to achieve because writing codes requires logic building side by side.
Furthermore, fast typing means nothing if you cannot maintain accuracy.
Therefore, programmers must be sure to type accurately too –around 94% of the code they write should be accurate –while typing fast.
Keeping these numbers in mind, it must be brought to one’s notice that typing is a personal skill.
Seeing that fast typing is not very important to make it as a programmer, you can yourself decide the typing speed you are comfortable with.
Not sure what your typing speed is? No worries! You will find something helpful in the upcoming section.
If you are looking forward to improving your typing speed too, let me be your guide.
Visit any of the websites listed below to get to know and to work on your skills.
Free sites that help you improve your typing speed
1. Typing Web’s Free Tutor
- Free sign-up to improve typing speed
- Courses from beginners to advanced
- Option to avail custom lessons
2. Rapid Typing Zone’s TypeDown
- Game to increase typing speed
- Involves letters in bubbles moving upwards
- User to press the letters before the bubble reaches the top
3. Typeracer
- Game to improve speed
- Revolves around car racing
- The faster you type, the faster the car goes
- Played against opponents
4. Keybr
- Offers seven languages and three levels of difficulty
- Text provided to be copied
- Errors marked in red
- Option to compete for the highest scores
5. Typing Academy
- Provides tips for finger and key combination
- Teaches hand placement
- Several lessons coping with different aspects of typing
6. Typing Test
- Gamifies the learning experience
- Around a hundred games to improve typing speed
- User chooses difficulty and the game
7. Ratatype
- Lessons to improve typing speed
- Allows you to take typing tests and get certificates
- Compete with friends in group mode
How to learn touch typing?
Well, learning to touch type is quite easy. According to “How to Learn Touch Typing: a Guide for Seasoned Hunt and Pecker”, it’s just a 3 to 4-week process after which you can keep on improving as you practice.
Follow the step-by-step guide below to become a pro at typing with eyes on the screen.
1. Learn the basics
This part requires 3 to 5 days and enables you to learn where to place your hand on the keyboard and which fingers to use for which keys.
For that purpose, you can use www.typingclub.com.
Once you learn the finger letter association, keep on using that technique to type, even if it seems slow at the time.
Improve your speed
Now, this is the time-taking step. It could be dragged for upto 2 to 3 weeks and there is no limit to improvement here. You could use any of the websites we discussed above. But, keep in mind that you have to use touch typing while taking all the lessons.
2. Switch permanently
At this point, you will have learned touch typing and will be ready for experimenting.
Cover your keys with a black sticker and get to work.
You will definitely make errors at the beginning. In spite of that, think of how far you have come and what you have to achieve.
As you memorize the combination of fingers and keys, it will all start coming to you naturally.
3. Practice
Bingo, you made it! Last, but not least, be consistent and keep using touch typing.
It’s how you will become better at it.
Final Words
Touch typing and typing speed can make you a more resourceful and coherent programmer in the industry.
But, it does not affect your programming capabilities. Thus, it does not affect your career building as well.
In order to become better at typing, you need a lot of practice and guidance, since it’s all linked with finger letter association and muscle memory. It surely is slow, but a rewarding process in terms of efficiency.
All the hard work will pay off when you will be able to write double the code in half the time.
Thus, work to achieve the skill you want to acquire.
And practice! As Allen Shawn once said, “Skill comes from consistent and deliberate practice.”
And it’s a wrap!
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Happy Coding!
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