Pytype - Terminal Typing Speed Test

A fast, minimal terminal-based typing speed test written in Python. Test your typing speed and accuracy right from your terminal.

Features

• Real-time typing test with live WPM and accuracy feedback
• Color-coded visual feedback - Green for correct characters, red for mistakes
• Customizable test duration (default 60 seconds)
• Simple terminal UI using Python's curses library
• Cross-platform support (Linux, macOS, Windows with WSL)
• Multiple test prompts to prevent memorization

Installation

From Source

git clone https://github.com/basanta-bhandari/Pytype.git
cd Pytype
pip install -e .

Quick Start

Run the typing test directly:

python3 main.py

How to Use

1. Start the application - You'll see a welcome screen with instructions
2. Press 's' to begin a 60-second typing test
3. Type the displayed text as quickly and accurately as you can
4. Use Backspace to correct any mistakes
5. Test ends when you complete the text or time runs out
6. View your results - See your WPM, accuracy percentage, and character count
7. Press 'r' to retry or 'q' to quit

Controls

Metrics

• WPM (Words Per Minute) - Calculated as characters typed / 5 / minutes elapsed
• Accuracy - Percentage of correctly typed characters
• Typed - Total characters typed

Requirements

• Python 3.7 or higher
• curses module (included on Linux/macOS)
• windows-curses (automatically installed on Windows)

Installation by OS

Linux / macOS

python3 -m pip install -e .
typing-test

Windows

pip install windows-curses
python3 main.py

Dependencies

• windows-curses (Windows only) - Terminal control library for Windows

Development

To contribute or modify the code:

1. Clone the repository
2. Make your changes
3. Test with python3 main.py
4. Submit a pull request

Known Limitations

• Curses library behavior may vary slightly across different terminal emulators
• Windows support requires WSL or the windows-curses package
• Custom test durations are not yet available via CLI arguments

Troubleshooting

"The curses module is required" error on Windows:

pip install windows-curses

Terminal display issues:

• Try resizing your terminal window
• Ensure your terminal supports color output
• Use a modern terminal emulator (iTerm2, Windows Terminal, GNOME Terminal, etc.)

No text appearing:

• Check that your terminal width is at least 60 characters
• Verify curses is properly installed

Feedback

Found a bug? Have a feature request? Open an issue on GitHub.

Future Enhancements

• Custom test duration via CLI arguments
• Difficulty levels (easy, medium, hard)
• Score history tracking
• Theme customization
• Using Pypi for convinience