TL;DR
Typing speed is an often-overlooked skill that can significantly enhance developer productivity, especially in the AI era. As we increasingly collaborate with AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude, improving typing speed can lead to more efficient and detailed interactions. This blog explores the importance of typing speed, the challenges faced by new generations of developers, practical steps to improve, and how upgrading your keyboard can make a difference. Let's embrace this fundamental skill to unlock our full potential.
In today's rapidly evolving software development landscape, we often focus on mastering new frameworks or leveraging advanced AI tools like Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and Codium. While these innovations undoubtedly enhance our workflows, there's a fundamental skill that often flies under the radar: typing speed.
I understand—typing speed might not seem like a pressing concern. Many of us consider it a basic skill that doesn't significantly impact our daily coding tasks. However, as we increasingly collaborate with AI in real time, perhaps it's time to rethink this mentality. After all, every keystroke counts when you're interacting with AI assistants, and improving your typing speed can make these interactions more seamless and productive.
From Touchscreens to Keyboards 📱➡️⌨️
As new generations of coders join our industry, many are more accustomed to tapping on tablets and swiping on smartphones than typing on traditional keyboards. Unlike those of us who grew up in the '90s (I started using computers at age five—aging myself here!), newer developers might not have had the same exposure to extensive typing. This shift means that typing proficiency isn't just a relic skill; it's an essential tool that can bridge the gap between different generations of developers.
The Surprising Truth About Developers' Typing Speeds 📊
Did you know that the average typing speed for software engineers and developers is around 40 words per minute (wpm) 🐢? In contrast, professional typists average between 65-75 wpm 🐇, and top performers reach upwards of 90-100+ wpm 🚗. This gap suggests we might not be fully utilizing our potential. Faster typing doesn't just mean quicker code entry; it leads to swifter debugging, more efficient coding practices, and smoother interactions with AI programming assistants.
Why Typing Speed Matters 📈
It's easy to overlook typing speed as a minor skill, but let's take a moment to reconsider. By improving our typing proficiency, we can unlock new levels of productivity and make the most of our AI-enhanced coding environments. Imagine increasing your typing speed by just 20 wpm. Over time, this can significantly enhance your ability to engage in more detailed and efficient discussions with AI interfaces like ChatGPT from OpenAI or Claude from Anthropic. With faster typing, you can communicate more effectively with these large language models (LLMs), allowing you to delve deeper into problem-solving and code generation.
Practical Steps Forward ⌨️
Sometimes, the tools we use can hinder our performance. Consider investing in a keyboard that suits your typing style:
Per-Key RGB Illumination: Customizable lighting can serve as visual aids, helping you navigate more efficiently 🌈.
Low Travel Distance Keys: Keyboards with shorter key travel can reduce finger fatigue and increase typing speed, as they require less force to actuate ⚡.
Slim Profile Keyboards: Ergonomically designed to lessen wrist strain during long coding sessions, promoting better hand posture and comfort 💻.
Personally, I use an Alienware laptop with built-in Slim Profile Cherry MX keys, and it's been transformative for my typing experience. MacBook keyboards, especially from the M2 and M3 series, are also highly regarded for their responsiveness and comfort. Other noteworthy options include mechanical keyboards from brands like Keychron, Logitech, and Das Keyboard, offering various features to suit different preferences.
Please note, I have no affiliations with any of the products or brands mentioned; these are personal observations aimed at helping you find what works best for you.
Practice with Typing Tools and Games 🎮
Incorporate typing practice into your daily routine. Here are some resources to consider (feel free to check them out after reading this blog):
Monkeytype: An engaging platform that adapts to your skill level, making practice both effective and enjoyable.
Keybr: Offers personalized exercises to improve your typing accuracy and speed over time.
TypeRacer: A fun, competitive game where you can race against others to improve your typing speed.
By taking these steps, you're not just improving a solitary skill; you're enhancing your overall efficiency and ability to collaborate effectively with AI tools.
Culture of Continuous Improvement 🌟
Embracing typing proficiency as a valuable skill can have far-reaching benefits. It's about creating an environment where continuous improvement is encouraged, and everyone feels empowered to enhance their effectiveness. As we bridge the generational gap in our industry, skills like typing speed become essential in uniting us and pushing our collective capabilities forward 📈👩💻.
Time to Reconsider and Reconnect 🏁
Typing speed might not have been on your radar, and that's completely understandable. But as we navigate an ever-evolving tech landscape, re-evaluating the fundamentals can offer surprising advantages. By acknowledging the importance of typing speed and taking steps to improve, we position ourselves—and our organizations—for greater success. We can spend our time more efficiently with LLMs like ChatGPT and Claude, leveraging these tools for more detailed and productive discussions.
Let's embrace this often-overlooked skill and see where it takes us. Ready, set, type! 🏎️💨
About Me
🍁Bonjour cher lecteur
I'm Fauzul Kabir Chowdhury, Co-founder and Engineering Manager at elobyte.com.
I wear many hats leading cross-platform engineering teams, hands-on collaborating with the UI/UX team, and making the decisions that connect businesses with engineering expertise to make products happen.
Earlier this year, I visited Canada and fell in love with the country and its cultural diversity. Looking forward to my next years of life to be in Canada and am seeking opportunities as an Engineering Manager, Tech Lead, or in roles that intertwine Business, Design, and Engineering.
Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or share your thoughts in the comments.
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