Never thought it would happen, but I finally switched to the Dvorak keyboard layout. I've been wanting to switch for years, but there is never a good time for a programmer to have to re-learn how to type.
It wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. For a few days, it was utterly frustrating not to be able to communicate with a computer. The sacred bond between a developer and his tools had been broken. Oh, and I switched on a writing day. Probably not the smartest idea, but whatever.
I've been at it for about 2.5 weeks, and I'm at maybe 80% of my QWERTY speed. It's true what they say -- Dvorak is a lot more comfortable, and I didn't even have RSI symptoms before. August Dvorak, my future tendons thank you.
The worst part is retraining my vi fingers. Years of muscle memory obliterated.
Comments (2)
really curious-- are you still using dvorak? how would you gauge your typing speed now? how 'bout vi speed now?
should i make the switch?
any other related thoughts?
p.s. just bought your rails book and am loving it
Posted by thorny_sun | March 12, 2008 10:33 PM
Posted on March 12, 2008 22:33
Yep, still using Dvorak. Wow, it's almost been a year! I'm loving it. It is much more comfortable than QWERTY was, though my typing speed is probably only marginally faster (I remember reading something that said that typing speed might be constrained primarily by psychological factors rather than physical ones). I would highly recommend it if you can take the time to switch.
Thanks for buying the book, and for the note.
Regards,
Brad
Posted by Registered User | March 13, 2008 12:16 AM
Posted on March 13, 2008 00:16