I believe that touch typing contributed more to speed before the modern IDEs that, as someone said already, autocomplete and generate your code. "Back then" :) we had to type a bit more, but IMO that's not where the main benefit of touch typing is.
Even nowadays, with less typing of actual code, touch typing helps with the keyboard shortcuts. Regardless of actual speed, I find not having to interrupt my flow to find a button or menu item extremely useful. Actual time saved is not the main benefit for me.
Navigating code, switching active documents, debugging, navigating files in a folder/project... there are quite a few activities that we perform often, and most of them can be sped up by knowing the combos. And not just keyboard shortcuts - some 'advanced' editor features as well, like opening class files by ctrl+clicking or just plain clicking their names in the code... it all adds up, and it summarily pays to know them.
I still think, even though that personally I find this a great asset, that it can be down to the individual. Some of my colleagues just don't care much about shortcuts, and I know them enough that I believe they'd learn them if they thought it was worth their while.
All in all, yes, it can be an important and useful skill if it fits the person's mentality. I know I'd be drastically less efficient if I suddenly forgot the layout. YMMV
For further actions, you may consider blocking this person and/or reporting abuse
We're a place where coders share, stay up-to-date and grow their careers.
I believe that touch typing contributed more to speed before the modern IDEs that, as someone said already, autocomplete and generate your code. "Back then" :) we had to type a bit more, but IMO that's not where the main benefit of touch typing is.
Even nowadays, with less typing of actual code, touch typing helps with the keyboard shortcuts. Regardless of actual speed, I find not having to interrupt my flow to find a button or menu item extremely useful. Actual time saved is not the main benefit for me.
Navigating code, switching active documents, debugging, navigating files in a folder/project... there are quite a few activities that we perform often, and most of them can be sped up by knowing the combos. And not just keyboard shortcuts - some 'advanced' editor features as well, like opening class files by ctrl+clicking or just plain clicking their names in the code... it all adds up, and it summarily pays to know them.
I still think, even though that personally I find this a great asset, that it can be down to the individual. Some of my colleagues just don't care much about shortcuts, and I know them enough that I believe they'd learn them if they thought it was worth their while.
All in all, yes, it can be an important and useful skill if it fits the person's mentality. I know I'd be drastically less efficient if I suddenly forgot the layout. YMMV