Mastering Basic Symbols

Welcome to the next step in your typing journey! Now that you are comfortable with the number row, we are going to add a layer of complexity: symbols. These characters are the building blocks of code and data formatting.

In programming and data entry, symbols carry specific meanings. You will use them constantly to define variables, perform math, or write logic.

Take a look at this line of code:

# Calculate the total price
$total_price = $cost * 1.05;

In this example, we see three important symbols:

• # (Hash/Pound): Used here to start a "comment," which is a note for the programmer that the computer ignores.
• $ (Dollar Sign): In PHP and many other languages, every variable name starts with a dollar sign.
• * (Asterisk): This is the universal symbol for multiplication in the digital world.

Learning to type these without looking is a major milestone in becoming an efficient developer.

To type symbols, you must hold down the Shift key while pressing the corresponding number key. As a reminder from your earlier typing lessons, we use the Opposite-Hand Shift Rule to stay fast and balanced.

• Rule: If the symbol you need is typed with your left hand, you must hold the right Shift key with your right pinky.
• Rule: If the symbol you need is typed with your right hand, you must hold the left Shift key with your left pinky.

This technique prevents your hands from stretching awkwardly and keeps your "anchor" fingers close to the home row (A S D F and J K L ;).

The symbols on the left side of the keyboard are located above the numbers 1 through 5. You will use the same fingers you used for the numbers, but you will hold the right Shift key while reaching.

When reaching for these, try to keep your other fingers resting lightly on the home row. This helps you find your way back to the center without looking down.