A recent Slashdot thread has sparked a debate about whether touch typing remains a critical skill for software developers. The discussion was prompted by a former computer science instructor who once taught programming and emphasized the value of touch typing in their classroom. The educator shared their experience of learning to type on a manual typewriter in 8th grade and how they still hold a bias in favor of touch typists. The thread also includes a humorous response from an anonymous user who compares the reliance on voice assistants like Siri to the inefficiency of non-touch typists.
The original post comes from a former educator who left the industry and returned to academia. They have long advocated for touch typing as a necessary skill for software engineers, often ranting to their students about its importance. However, the post also acknowledges that the industry has evolved over the past 15 years, and the question now is whether this skill is still relevant for today’s programmers. The response from the anonymous reader highlights a growing shift in how developers interact with technology, with many relying on voice commands and other shortcuts rather than traditional typing methods.
While the discussion is largely lighthearted, it raises an important question about the evolving nature of programming work. As technology continues to advance, the need for touch typing may be diminishing in favor of voice-activated tools and other forms of input. However, for those who value efficiency and speed, touch typing remains a valuable skill in the coding environment.