Re: How to type when using Emacs?

[don provan <dprovan@comcast.net>]

SomeDeveloper <somedeveloper@gmail.com> writes:

> Just getting started with Emacs. Would like to get advice on how to
> train finger movement when learning/using Emacs.

I touch type, just making a slight adjustment for the left pinkie when
necessary to issue commands. Keep in mind that the whole idea of Emacs
text entry is that you enter text normally, and issuing commands is a
exception involving doing something physically different such as
holding down control. So whatever you do, in my opinion, it should be
very easy to type normally. I actually make a couple of adjustments to
the commands to avoid having to go off base for common commands. (I
use ^H for backspace, for example.)

I also avoid using the keypad keys for the most part.

Speaking of left pinkie and Xah's suggestion that you use right
control, I rarely use right control. To a large extent this is habit,
but I think it's also because of something else Xah said: I find that
on most keyboards, right control is way too far away. If you can find
a keyboard with control pulled in to the position Xah suggests, you
might find right control more useful. But do you want to get in the
habit and then have to deal with it when you end up using a standard
layout with right control way out in right field?

-don