The 100 Year Old Trick to Coding Faster

This article explores the surprisingly efficient world of stenography and how it can revolutionize your coding workflow. Forget slow typing; learn stenography and dramatically increase your coding speed.

Photo: neilfein

Ever seen a stenotype machine? These weren't just relics of the past (like the one pictured above from 1912); stenography, the art of writing shorthand, remains a highly sought-after skill. While requiring dedicated training, the speed and efficiency it offers are unparalleled.

Stenotype machines boast only 22 keys and no spacebar. Instead of typing individual letters, stenographers use key combinations—similar to piano chords—to input entire words. Modern machines even translate this shorthand into text in real-time.

Beyond court reporting and live captioning, stenography finds application in various business settings. The investment in training and expensive equipment (top-of-the-line machines cost over $4,000) is justified by the incredible speed: proficient stenographers achieve 240 words per minute with exceptional accuracy (a single mistake per four pages!).

Why Should You Care?

Mirabai Knight, a stenographer, recognized the limitations of the field's accessibility. She developed Plover, an affordable, open-source stenography system that democratizes this powerful skill. Plover empowers authors, journalists, bloggers, and—crucially—coders and developers.

Mirabai demonstrated the system's efficiency by transcribing 140 keystrokes of Python code into less than 50 stenotype strokes! Even seasoned "VIM ninjas" would struggle to match that level of efficiency.

Plover utilizes laser-cut keytoppers that fit onto standard keyboards (gaming keyboards, readily available for around $50, are ideal due to their multi-keystroke recognition capability). Affordable standalone hardware options are also emerging, such as Joshua Lifton's Stenosaurus, a sleek bamboo and aluminum prototype soon to be crowd-funded. Another option is the Stenoboard kit, allowing you to build your own stenotype unit using Arduinos and readily available parts (around $200).

Plover's software is free, open-source, and Python-based, ensuring broad compatibility.

The Stenoboard 1.1 kit.

Intrigued? Watch Mirabai's excellent presentation on Plover (approximately 30 minutes):

The Learning Curve

While the initial investment is significantly lower than traditional stenography, a learning curve remains. Mirabai estimates 2-3 months to reach your current QWERTY typing speed, with continued improvement for 2-6 years. The long-term gains in speed and efficiency make this a worthwhile investment.

Republished from the SitePoint Design Newsletter

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Writing Code Faster

What is the importance of understanding the problem before writing code?

Thoroughly understanding the problem before coding is paramount. It clarifies requirements and constraints, leading to efficient, effective code. Coding without a clear understanding is akin to building a house without blueprints—inefficient and prone to errors.

How can I improve my typing speed for faster coding?

Improved typing speed directly translates to faster coding. Utilize online typing tutors, practice regularly, maintain correct posture, and learn keyboard shortcuts to maximize your typing efficiency.

How does understanding the programming language syntax help in coding faster?

Strong syntax knowledge is crucial. It's the grammar of coding. Familiarity with syntax eliminates constant reference to documentation, accelerating your workflow.

How can using code snippets speed up my coding process?

Code snippets are reusable code blocks. They significantly reduce repetitive coding, saving valuable time. Most code editors and IDEs support snippets; online repositories offer a vast selection.

How can planning my code in advance help me code faster?

Planning prevents problems. Pseudocode or flowcharts help structure code, reducing debugging and rewriting time.

How can regular breaks improve my coding speed?

Regular breaks combat burnout and maintain focus. Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes work, 5 minutes break) are effective.

How can learning and using keyboard shortcuts speed up my coding process?

Keyboard shortcuts drastically reduce mouse reliance, accelerating common tasks like copying, pasting, and file navigation.

How can using a good code editor or Integrated Development Environment (IDE) help me code faster?

A robust IDE enhances productivity with features like syntax highlighting, autocompletion, error detection, and debugging tools.

How can mastering a single programming language help me code faster?

Mastery allows efficient use of advanced features and techniques, leading to faster problem-solving and better code.

How can collaborating with others help me code faster?

Collaboration fosters learning, feedback, and shared problem-solving, boosting both speed and motivation. Pair programming and code reviews are beneficial.

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