Week 2: Parentheses and calls

When you run a function, you put parentheses right after its name, as in console.log(1). The parentheses hold the values you pass to the function and show where the call ends. A missing or extra parenthesis can stop the whole line from working. This week you learn where both parentheses sit on the US English layout and how to type them comfortably with Shift.

What you will learn

This week introduces two new symbols: ( and ). On the US English layout both use Shift:

• ( is Shift plus the 9 key. Press Shift with the opposite pinky and the 9 key with your right ring finger.
• ) is Shift plus the 0 key. Press Shift with the opposite pinky and the 0 key with your right pinky.

No new keywords appear this week. You will use these two symbols in calls such as console.log(1) and alert(), so think of each call as an opening parenthesis followed later by a closing one.

Technique tips

• As soon as you type an opening parenthesis, think about the closing one before you fill in the middle. This habit keeps calls balanced.
• Have your Shift finger ready before you press the number key, so both keys land together.
• Release Shift together with the symbol key. Letting go of Shift too early gives you a plain 9 or 0.
• Keep your eyes on the screen while typing calls. Learn to feel where the parentheses are instead of looking down.

Lessons

1. Learn (10–15 minutes): Watch the keyboard demo for ( and ), then type each symbol a few times with Shift.
2. Practice (10–15 minutes): Type console.log(1) and alert() again and again, checking that every opening parenthesis has a closing one.
3. Review (10–15 minutes): Take the two-minute test and aim for clean parentheses rather than speed.

This week’s goal

Your targets are 12 WPM and 90% accuracy. Finishing the week earns one star. Reaching 90% accuracy earns two stars, and reaching the speed target as well earns three. Focus on getting each parenthesis right first. Speed grows once both symbols feel automatic.