INTRODUCTION

KEYBOARD LAYOUT
The set of typewriter like keys that enables you to enter data into computer.
Computer keyboards are similar to electric-typewriter keyboards but contain addition
keys.A keyboard layout is any specific physical, visual or functional arrangement of
the keys, legends, or key-meaning respectively of a computer keyboard, mobile
phone, or other computer-controlled typographic keyboard.

What is a QWERTY keyboard?

QWERTY keyboards, also known as Sholes keyboards, refer to the five
consecutive letters on the upper left corner of the keypad. This type of keyboard bears
the layout used for Latin-script alphabets and is the most common keyboard used in
the United States, the United Kingdom (and other anglophone countries), and Spain.
The keys on computer keyboards are often classified as Alphanumeric keys,
Punctuation keys and Special Keys is known as a QWERTY keyboard because the
first six keys on the top row of letters spell QWERTY.

What is an AZERTY keyboard?

The AZERTY keyboard is the French version of the standard QWERY

Keyboard. AZERTY Keyboards differ slightly from QWERTY keyboard in that the
Q and W keys have been interchanged with the A and Z keys.

In my own understanding , the significant of the different keyboard layouts is

to make it easier and more efficient for the computer user like me to input text and
prompts. This efficiency is based on the language that we are typing. But with so
many different languages worldwide, computer keyboards had to adapt too.With an
AZERTY keyboard and QWERTY, it's easier to type in French,easy to learn and use.
 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

QWERTY

The QWERTY layout is attributed to an American inventor

named Christopher Latham Sholes, and it made its debut in its earliest form on July 1,
1874 -- 142 years ago today.

Sholes had been for some years developing the typewriter, filing a patent
application in October 1867. However, the original key layout, with the second half of
the alphabet in order on the top row and the first half in order on the bottom row, led
to some problems. The keys were mounted on metal arms, which would jam if the
keys were pressed in too rapid succession. Sholes' solution was separating commonly
used letter pairings, such as "ST," to avoid these jams, effectively allowing the typist
to type faster, rather than slower. He went through several design iterations,
attempting to bring the typewriter to market. When he sold the design to Remington
in 1873, the QWERTY layout looked like this:

23456789-,
QWE.TYIUOP
ZSDFGHJKLM
AX&CVBN?;R

Remington made several adjustments, and launched the Sholes and Glidden
typewriter on July 1, 1874. Its keyboard layout was almost the same QWERTY
keyboard layout we use today, with a few minor differences. 1 and 0 were left out to
help shave down production costs, on the basis that these numerals could be produced
using other keys, such as a capital I and a capital O. Remington also swapped the R
and . keys.The 0 was added fairly early on, but some keyboards well into the
1970s were still missing a 1.

AZERTY

The AZERTY keyboard layout has a long history dating back to the early 20th
century. It was initially developed by French typewriter manufacturers to
accommodate the needs of the French language. The layout’s exact origin is unclear,
but it is believed to have been introduced around the same time as the QWERTY
layout gained popularity in English-speaking countries.

Over the years, the AZERTY layout has undergone some modifications and
refinements, primarily to improve usability and address the evolving needs of French
typists. However, the core arrangement of keys has remained largely consistent. The
layout has become deeply ingrained in French culture and continues to be the
preferred choice for typing in the French language.
 KEY LAYOUT AND PLACEMENT

A, Z, E, R, T and Y are the letters on the top left, alphabetic row. AZERTY is similar
to the QWERTY layout, except that Q and A are swapped, Z and W are swapped and
M is in the middle row instead of the bottom one.

QWERTY AZERTY

-English Language -Belguim and French Language

-M key is on right -M key is to the left of the L key

-right side -left side

QWERTY AZERTY
Q W E R T Y U I O P A Z E R T Y U I O P
A S D F G H J K L ; ' Q S D F G H J K L M %
Z X C V B N M , . / W X C V B N ? . / !

To understand the AZERTY keyboard layout, let’s imagine a road system. In a

QWERTY layout, it’s like driving on the right side of the road, which is the norm in
countries like the United States. However, the AZERTY layout is like driving on the
left side of the road, as is common in countries like the United Kingdom. Just as
driving on the left requires adjustments, the AZERTY layout requires users to adapt
their typing habits to accommodate the different key positions and character
placements. Another is to think of the keyboard as a musical instrument. QWERTY is
like playing the piano, where the keys are arranged in a familiar pattern. On the other
hand, AZERTY is like playing a violin, which has different finger positioning and
requires learning a new technique.
 FINGER PLACEMENT AND ERGONOMICS

In QWERTY, the home row is a section of the keyboard that is central to all
the other keys. Positioning your fingers over the home row allows you to more easily
reach the other keys on the keyboard. When touch typing, returning your fingers to
what is referred to as the ‘home row position’ will assist you to type without looking
at the keyboard.

To find the home row position:

1. Locate the elevated “tabs”, without looking down, on the F and J keys. Place
your left index finger on the F key, and your right index finger on the J key.
2. Then place the fingers on your left hand on the A, S, D and F keys and the
fingers on your right hand on the J, K, L and ; keys.
3. Your fingers are now in the home row position.
4.
Each of your fingers has a specific area of the keyboard to cover, as shown in the
image above. As you can see, your index, middle and ring fingers move either up or
down from their home position, your thumb covers the space bar, and your pinky
fingers cover the rest.
The QWERTY keyboard was not designed to be ergonomic. It has a high
same-finger ratio, which increases strain. If you type constantly on the QWERTY
keyboard, your chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome are higher than with a
more ergonomic layout .
The AZERTY keyboard layout is similar to the QWERTY keyboard layout
except . If you want to place more emphasis on finger ergonomics (i.e. natural finger
)
 USAGE AND POPULARITY

 The AZERTY keyboard is used predominantly in France and Belgium.

 The QWERTY keyboard is prevalent in the Americas and in several regions of
Europe;

AZERTY KEYBOARD ia used in France and Belgium because of Efficiency,

Cultural Preferences, and Compatibility in which ;

Efficiency
One of the primary reasons why French people use AZERTY keyboard layout
is that it is more efficient for typing in the French language. The AZERTY layout is
designed to make it easier to type French characters such as accents and special
characters. The placement of the letters on the AZERTY layout is more intuitive for
typing French words and phrases, which means that French typists can type faster and
more accurately.

Cultural Preference
Another reason why French people use AZERTY keyboard layout is that it is
a part of their cultural identity. The AZERTY layout has been a part of the French
culture for over a century, and many French people feel that it is an important part of
their national identity. The AZERTY layout is taught in schools and used in many
French businesses, so it is a familiar and comfortable option for French typists.

Compatibility
Another reason why French people use AZERTY keyboard layout is that it is
more compatible with French computer systems. French computers and software are
designed to work with the AZERTY layout, so using a QWERTY keyboard can cause
compatibility issues. By using an AZERTY keyboard, French typists can ensure that
their keyboard will work seamlessly with their computer and software.

The QWERTY keyboard is the most common keyboard for languages using
Latin script alphabet (the alphabet we use in English).

The QWERTY keyboard was designed based on the English language, but is also
predominantly used in even non-English speaking countries.

In many cases, though, some slight changes to the keyboard have been made.

Most often what changes are the placement of symbols or the addition symbols (such
as the sign for the Euro currency) that are less typically used in the United States.

Most people reason why QWERTY is popular because it is generally

considered to be intuitive and efficient. Another reason of QWERTY keyboards is
that they are widely available and relatively cheap, making them a popular choice for
both personal and professional use. While AZERTY, because it is more efficient for
typing in the French language, it is a part of their cultural identity, and it is more
compatible with French computer systems.

CHALLENGES AND ADAPTABILITY

The challenges of using a QWERTY keyboard
There are, however, some criticisms of the QWERTY layout. Some people
argue that it is not the most efficient or ergonomic layout and that other keyboard
layouts, such as the aforementioned Dvorak or Colemak layouts, may be superior in
terms of speed and comfort.To write with this keyboard, a person has to press many
sequences of keys that are far from each other, making the work more difficult.

While these layouts have their supporters, they have not gained widespread
adoption, and the QWERTY layout remains the dominant standard.

The challenges of using a AZERTY keyboard

The AZERTY keyboard imposes many restrictions on would-be writers of

correct French. Difficulties include the lack of double chevrons « and », known as
'guillemets' in French. Nor, for example, can users type the ligatures 'æ' and 'œ', which
are used in many everyday words such as cœur and sœur.

One of the culture ministry's biggest concerns about the existing keyboard is
the challenge it presents to writing capital letters with accents. For example, users
cannot type a capital C cedilla, or Ç, with the AZERTY keyboard.

This absence of capital letters with accents has caused problems because
people now believe it is no longer necessary to put accents on capitals, despite
constant recommendations to the contrary from the Académie française, which deals
with matters relating to the French language, and the Imprimerie nationale official
state printer.

The goal is to offer new options that respect the French way of writing and
respond to the needs of the market." A draft standard will be presented at public
enquiry in summer 2016 for feedback from stakeholders.

In my own perspective the strategies or technique I can recommend is that use

the keyboard that you are knowledgeable and comfortable. So that you will not be
switching keyboards. Also, research the things or step you will do in case of
switching. Like the keys to shortcuts and adapting the language to be use.

CONCLUSION
 Communication is the way we interact with others and it determines how we
speak, act and react in various situations. In connection to that, it will help us to
effectively interact with someone who has a different style and understanding the
thoughts. Also, it enhances communication between colleagues and customers and it
improves the accuracy of documents.
In terms of productivity, it is important to understand the different keyboard
layout because it is beneficial to us student and employees .It can help improve your
productivity by allowing you to type faster, customize keys, reduce typing errors,
increased durability.It produce and edit text at a much faster speed than usual. It also
means that finished work has a greater level of accuracy. For employees, it means a
better work experience, and more time available for other tasks. For students,it help
them not only with education programs and projects, but also to open more
opportunities to them in the future.

REFERENCES:

https://www.cnet.com/culture/a-brief-history-of-the-qwerty-keyboard/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_layout

https://www.coolblue.be/en/advice/what-is-the-difference-between-a-laptop-with-
qwerty-and-azerty-keyboard.html

https://techterminologies.com/definitions/azerty-keyboard/

https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-QWERTY-layout-Why-do-some-countries-use-
it-more-than-others#:~:text=QWERTY%20keyboard%20design%20was
%20made,Colemak%20layout%20shown%20above.