Voice Recognition Software For Developers [closed]

Question

Well the docs finally said it, I need to take it easy on my wrist for a few months. Being that I'm a .NET Developer this could end my livelihood for a little while, something I'm not anxious to do. That said, are there any good handsfree options for developers? Anyone had success using any of the speech recognition software out there?

POSTSCRIPT: I've recovered my arm again to the point where two-handed programming isn't a problem. Dragon Naturally speaking worked well enough, but was slower, not like the keyboard where I was programming faster than I thought.

Answer 1

Another idea is to find another good developer to pair program with. It worked really well for me. I get to rest my hands without necessarily slowing down, end up producing better quality code - or at least not having to review as much of it.

Answer 2

I know I am little bit off-topic here, and know nothing about voice recognition software; however, you might find it useful to investigate changing your keyboard to the Dvorak layout, which I have heard is a lot kinder on the wrists.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvorak_Simplified_Keyboard

Answer 3

I used Dragon Dictate in 1996 for the same reason as you. It was slow going, but better than not working. I found it easier to write code by filling 4x8 white board with code and then getting someone else to type it in. Then I used DD to debug.

And while you're at it, you might look at Deborah Quilter's books about RSI. They're very informative.

Answer 4

For all Linux folks, I'd like to share some links.

Let's begin from Simon - open source speech recognition software:

• Simon listens - non-profit organization for research and apprenticeship
• simon: Open-Source Speech Recognition - related blog
• HTK speech recognition toolkit - engine used internally
• Open-Source Large Vocabulary CSR Engine Julius
• Not on shlashdot about Simon fetures

and some other:

• Gnome Voice Control
• https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SpeechRecognition
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speech_recognition_in_Linux
• VoiceCode

and

• Related stackoverflow question about text to speech recognition tools for Linux.

Answer 5

The gold standard for programming by voice is VoiceCode. If I remember correctly, they supports C++ and Python.

Answer 6

I started using my left hand for the mouse, this not only help me a bit, but allowed me to use my right hand more freely, if you write a lot of stuff dwon while you code this helps you a lot.. you can scroll and write down at the same time...

When my problems began i put a water bag under my wrist, i loved it! the bag i had was perfect it was long and i put it before the keyboard so i could rest my wrists there.... until one day i step on it...