Week 1: Home row for code: letters and keywords

Typing code is a little different from typing ordinary prose. A line of code mixes letters and spaces with keywords such as int and return. This week you do not learn any new symbols. Your goal is to type the keywords C uses most often with a steady, relaxed rhythm, keeping your fingers close to the home row. You will meet the symbols one at a time in the weeks ahead, so for now focus on letters.

What you will learn

This week has no new symbols. You will practice typing these keywords without mistakes:

• int and char: the number and character data types
• void: for functions that return no value
• if and else: making a decision based on a condition
• for and while: loops for repeated work
• return: sending a result back from a function

The C compiler is case sensitive. int is correct, but Int is not recognized and causes an error. Type keywords in lowercase, with no missing letters and no extra spaces inside a word.

Technique tips

• After each key press, return your finger to the home row right away. A finger left hanging in the air slows down the next letter.
• Keep your wrists off the desk. Let your fingers do the moving, not your whole arm.
• Look at the screen, not the keyboard. Watching the text helps you catch mistakes early.
• Write each keyword three times, then move on. Repetition helps your fingers and your memory learn the same word together.

Lessons

1. Lesson 1, learn (10 to 15 minutes): Watch each keyword on the keyboard demo. Then type each one three times.
2. Lesson 2, practice (10 to 15 minutes): Type short lines that use int, char, void, if, else, for, while and return. Aim for clean typing, not speed.
3. Lesson 3, review (10 to 15 minutes): Take the two-minute test and type the keywords. Note your result, then practice the words you missed in your next attempt.

This week’s goal

This week’s target is 12 WPM (words per minute) and 90% accuracy. Finishing the week’s lessons earns you 1 star. Reach 90% accuracy for 2 stars, and also reach 12 WPM for 3 stars. Focus on accuracy first, because speed builds on it.