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Tiger-Code (虎码) Documentation

website·Indexed 32 days ago

https://tiger-code.com/docs

Documentation for Tiger-Code, a shape-based Chinese input method featuring a random-order scheme, four-code system, and intuitive radical splitting. Includes tutorials on basic strokes, learning paths, and the Bime external input platform developed by the author.

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What's inside Tiger-Code

  1. Overview of Bime input platform

    Bime is a portable input platform developed by the author of HuMa, specifically customized for shape-based and sound-shape-based input methods. It is currently available only for the Windows platform. Key features include:

    • No installation required: Runs directly without administrator privileges and does not write to the registry or system files.
    • Simplified configuration: Each folder represents an input scheme. It supports multiple code table formats and automatically recognizes file encoding.
    • Focused feature set: Includes essential tools for shape-based input such as reverse lookup, adding words, and frequency adjustment.

  2. Overview of Tiger Code (虎码) Input Method

    Tiger Code is a shape-based input method characterized by the following features:

    • 26-Key Layout: Uses all 26 English letters for encoding.
    • Four-Code Limit: The maximum encoding length for any character or phrase is four keys.
    • Randomized Layout: Root keys are distributed via algorithm rather than logical zones to optimize performance and finger feel.
    • Dual-Coding: Each root has two codes: a Large Code (the key it resides on) and a Small Code (usually based on the root's pronunciation/initial).
    • Root Merging: Similar or derived roots are merged into a 'Main Root' with 'Variants' to reduce the memory load (reducing 400-700 roots to 241 main roots).
    • Broad Support: Supports Unicode 17, covering over 100,000 characters.

  3. Tiger Code learning roadmap overview

    The recommended progression for learning Tiger Code is as follows:

    1. Finger Positioning: Ensure standard touch typing skills first.
    2. Radical Memorization: Memorize radicals before attempting to type characters.
    3. Essential Split Characters (必拆字): Practice character decomposition skills.
    4. Top 500 Common Characters: Practice the first 500 most common single characters.
    5. Introductory 25 Articles: Complete the 25 curated introductory articles to officially enter the 'entry' level.
    6. Advanced Practice: Practice the remaining 1000 common characters and the 100 essential famous essays.

  4. Tiger Code character set support and positioning

    Tiger Code supports the full Chinese character set within Unicode 17 (100,000+ characters), including the Basic block, Extension J, strokes, radicals, and compatibility characters.

    Performance Characteristics:

    • Common Characters: Very low ambiguity (重码), high determinism, and excellent typing feel.
    • Rare/Large Character Set: Higher ambiguity requiring selection, but the rules remain consistent so characters can be reached without needing complex, specialized rules for every rare case.

  5. Manage practice progress and metrics in Muyi Typer

    Muyi Typer allows users to resume long articles or character groups via the Continue Publishing (继续发文) feature, which saves the last 10 progress records (including segment number and metrics). The Quick Publish (快速发文) feature shares metrics with the previous session; for example, if a 6-keystroke target was set for the 'First 500' characters, selecting 'Middle 500' in Quick Publish will inherit that 6-keystroke target. Note: Press F5 to refresh and clear metrics when switching from character practice to article practice to avoid unwanted shuffling.

  6. Memorize Tiger Code radicals effectively

    Tiger Code is a random-order scheme; searching a radical chart while typing is inefficient. The recommended approach is to memorize radicals first using high-frequency repetition.

    Guidelines for memorization:

    • Use the official web-based practice tool: https://tiger-code.com/practice.
    • Practice using Full Code (全码) to ensure the character is produced.
    • Do not look at the radical chart during practice.
    • If a radical is forgotten, press the Space bar (recommended if not remembered within 5 seconds). This marks the input as incorrect, and the radical will reappear quickly for reinforcement.
    • Goal: Reach 30,000 points on the official site (typically achievable within 3 days).
    • Maintenance: Spend 10 minutes daily for about 3 months using the Advanced Radical Practice: https://tiger-code.com/practice/advanced.

  7. Select candidates in shape-based input methods

    When typing, you can select characters from the candidate list using the following key mappings:
    • First Candidate (首选): Press Space or 1
    • Second Candidate (次选): Press ; or 2
    • Third Candidate (三选): Press ' or 3

  8. Use Jisu Typing Web Version (极速打字通)

    The web-based version of Jisu Typer is available at https://www.52dazi.cn/. It uses F2 for publishing and F3 for re-typing. To enable encoding hints: go to Settings $\rightarrow$ Code Table Settings (码表设置), upload the code table, and save. Then, go to Word Hint Settings (词语提示设置) and enable Top Encoding Hints (顶部编码提示).

  10. Use punctuation for 'Biaoding' (标顶) commit

    Biaoding is the technique of using a punctuation mark (such as a period, comma, or Shift+1 for an exclamation mark) to commit the first candidate character to the screen, replacing the need for a space. This is primarily useful during 'follow-typing' (跟打) or 'sight-typing' (看打) rather than spontaneous composition.

  11. Interact with the candidate window

    The candidate window supports three mouse interactions:

    • Right-click: Opens the menu.
    • Middle-click: Toggles the visibility of candidate words.
    • Scroll wheel: Up to increase font size, down to decrease font size.

  12. Understand Tiger Code (虎码) character decomposition rules

    Tiger Code follows intuitive decomposition rules based on writing habits and structural logic:

    1. General Direction: Decomposition generally follows a top-to-bottom and left-to-right order (e.g., 柯 is decomposed as 木 + 可).
    2. Stroke Order: Components like the 'walking' radical (辶) or 'long stride' (廴) are written last and thus appear last in the code (e.g., 过 is 寸 + 辶).
    3. Cutting (切字): When components are highly integrated, strokes may be 'cut' to separate radicals. Usually, a character is cut once, though some (like 惠) may be cut twice. For example, 果 is cut into 田 + 木.
    4. Frame Priority (字架优先): If a character acts as a frame with another component inserted inside, the frame is prioritized. For example, 哀 is decomposed as 衣 (frame) + 口 (inserted).