10 Tips to Improve Your Programming Typing Speed
Learn proven techniques to type code faster. From proper finger placement to practicing with real syntax, discover how to boost your WPM and coding productivity.
Typing speed is a crucial skill for programmers. While it's not the only factor in productivity, being able to translate your thoughts into code quickly can significantly improve your workflow.
Master Touch Typing First
Before focusing on code, ensure you can touch type without looking at the keyboard. This forms the foundation for everything else.
Learn Your IDE Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts reduce the time spent navigating menus and can dramatically speed up your coding.
Practice with Real Code
Using tools like DevType that provide real syntax from popular languages helps build muscle memory for programming-specific characters.
Focus on Special Characters
Characters like {}, [], (), =>, ::, and -> are common in code. Practice these combinations until they become second nature.
Use Proper Finger Placement
Return to the home row after each key press. This consistency improves both speed and accuracy.
Type Complete Words
Avoid hunting and pecking. Type full variable names and function calls in one fluid motion.
Review and Repeat Mistakes
When you make an error, slow down and repeat the word or line correctly multiple times.
Practice Daily
Even 15 minutes of daily practice on DevType can lead to significant improvements over time.
Monitor Your Progress
Track your WPM and accuracy trends to stay motivated and identify areas for improvement.
Don't Sacrifice Accuracy for Speed
Fast but error-prone typing leads to more debugging time. Aim for consistent accuracy above 95%.
Put these tips into practice!
Use DevType to type real code and improve your typing skills.
Start Practicing