Programmer Dvorak layout was designed for programmers in the spirit of Dvorak philosophy which states that frequently typed characters should be easier accessible and hadled with stronger fingers.
As ANSI Dvorak layout was developed before programming explosion, it suffers with awkward positions of symbols typed frequently in programming languages. The increase of comfort zone of typing symbols is the reason for the development of the Programmer Dvorak layout.
Thumbs of both hands are on the space bar.
Accommodation of frequently typed symbols in programming languages while maintaining typing efficiency of SDK (Simplified Dvorak keyboard) is the reason for development of the Programmer Dvorak keyboard layout.
SDK layout was developed before programming explosion and consequently it suffers with awkward positions of symbols frequently typed in programming languages. Mr. Kaufmann, a programmer, set to remedy this weakness of SDK. After unruly amount of data crunching a new keyboard layout was born and he named it - the Programmer Dvorak.
Symbols and numbers are in different positions. Letters positions are identical in both layouts.
Odd numbers are on the left hand; even numbers on the right hand. More importantly, since in code numbers are used far less than symbols, numbers were moved to shift position to make space for symbols. Most keyboards have numerical pad to touch type longer numbers.
The parenthesis "(" and ")" are on the left and right index finger. But the brackets "[" and "]" are on the little finger and the ring finger. The reason is that the right bracket "]" is very often followed by either a plus "+" or a minus "-". If it had been on the little finger, these moves would be very awkward. Conversely, if the left bracket had been on the ring finger, it would split up the braces "{" and "}" which commonly occur in pairs.
Numbers are positions as in the original Dvorak layout. The split is dictated by the layout; the odd numbers are typed by left hand and even numbers by right hand. Opening parenthesis on the left index and closing parenthesis on the right index finger.
Home row keys of a keyboard are keysover which your hands are positioned. There are home row keys assignedto each hand. From a home row key reach to a key to type and returnback to the home row key. Home row keys are your base from where to reach out and return to. Usually one of home row keys, one for each hand, has a little dent which lets you feel that your fingers are correctly positioned over the keyboard.
To type a single capital letter press and hold down a shift key and press the desired letter. To type morecapitals press the Caps Lock key and continue typing. All letterswill appear in upper caps. Note if you type capital letter with shift key and Caps Lock "on" it will be typed in lower case. To turn Caps Lock off press it again. Keyboards have usually built in a light which lets you know if your Caps Lock "is" on or "off".
Strive to type with even rhythm. Even rhythm will rid you of tension, anxiety and will minimize mistakes made. Besides, if you slow down to achieve even rhythm you will in effect speed up.
Acceptable number of typingerrors is one error per minute.
Wpm stands for words per minute typingrate. A word is consider to be 5 key strokes including spaces. If youtype 50 key strokes per minute your typing rate is 10 wpm.