Left Hand Bottom Row

In this lesson, we will focus on the keys located directly below your left hand's home position. These keys are **Z**, **X**, **C**, and **V**.

While these letters are not used as often as those on the home row, they are extremely important for modern computing. For example, almost every software program uses these keys for **Shortcuts**. Shortcuts are combinations of keys that perform tasks quickly.

• Ctrl + Z: Undo an action.
• Ctrl + X: Cut text.
• Ctrl + C: Copy text.
• Ctrl + V: Paste text.

For Mac, replace Ctrl with Command.

By learning to type these keys without looking, you will not only write faster but also become much more efficient at editing code or documents.

To type efficiently, each finger has a specific job. You should not use your **index finger** for every key on the bottom row. Instead, you will use the same finger that sits above the key on the home row.

Here is the map for your left hand:

As you can see, each finger moves slightly down and to the right to reach its target.

You have now learned the proper finger assignments for the left side of the bottom row:

• Z is handled by the pinky.
• X is handled by the ring finger.
• C is handled by the middle finger.
• V is handled by the index finger.

The goal is to keep your hand relaxed and to return to the A - S - D - F keys after every single stroke.

It is now time to build your **muscle memory**. In the following practice exercises, you will use the **CodeSignal IDE** to type these letters in various combinations. Focus on accuracy and on returning to the home row rather than on speed. Speed will come naturally once your fingers know the way!