How can I stop using a mouse while programming in my IDE?

Question

I love using an IDE, because I get some great productivity gains. However, I have a couple reasons to stop using a mouse with an IDE:

1. To code faster - It definitely slows down my coding when my typing is interrupted with all of the constant point and clicking.
2. To relieve pain - I've never had pain from the keyboard, but I get tendinitis from the mouse.

I've got my cheat sheet for my IDE printed out and now I'm ready.

• What's the best way get off the mouse?
• Are there any hurdles that I'm going to run into?
• Are there any tips for specific IDEs (Visual Studio, Eclipse, etc.) ?

Answer 1

Move it to the wrong side (eg if you are right handed then put it on the left of the keyboard). That way, you can still use it if necessary, but you should find you aren't using it unecessarily.

If changing sides isn't enough to confuse your brain, then moving it to a place where it is accessible but you have to think before reaching for it. As long as you can't reach for the mouse without thinking about it, then you will find that it is easier to use keyboard shortcuts instead. Essentially you want the mouse to be an option but the keyboard to be a better/easier/more convenient one!

As for pitfalls, well you may find that if you have to test any interfaces (web based or dektop) that you need to revert back to using the mouse. Also I find that if I have to work outside of the IDE, then it is just not as efficient to do without the mouse. Often we use WOrd for specifications and documentation, and trying to get away with using that without a mouse, is tricky (in my experience).

Another potential source of annoyance, is when switching between applications (Eclipse, VS, etc), you find that they often use different keyboard shortcuts, and so it can take a while to get back up to speed again, or you have to spend some time reconfiguring the shortcuts to be consistent.

Answer 2

Unplug it.

If your mouse is completely gone then you will be forced to learn how to live without it and therefore will become productive without it.