Getting Started with Voice-to-Text for Developers
New to voice-to-text? This beginner-friendly guide walks you through everything you need to know.
What is Voice-to-Text?
Voice-to-text converts your spoken words into written text. For developers, it means you can:
- Dictate code
- Add files to context
- Write documentation
- Give instructions to AI agents
Why Developers Love It
✅ Faster coding (3-5x speed improvement) ✅ Reduced wrist strain ✅ Better focus on logic ✅ Hands-free operation ✅ Accessibility benefits
Installation (5 minutes)
Step 1: Download
- Go to speakeasydev.com/download
- Click "Download for Windows"
- Run the installer
Step 2: Install
- Follow the setup wizard
- Grant microphone permissions
- Choose your mode (Agent Chat recommended)
- Set your hotkey (Ctrl+Shift+Space)
Step 3: Test
- Open your IDE
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Space
- Say: "hello world"
- See it appear in your editor
Your First Voice Command
Simple Example
- Open your IDE
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Space
- Say: "function hello world"
- Result: "function helloWorld() {}"
More Complex Example
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Space
- Say: "create a function to validate email addresses"
- Windsurf's AI generates the code
- Review and accept
Best Practices
Practice 1: Speak Naturally
- Don't rush
- Use normal pronunciation
- Pause between sentences
- Speak clearly
Practice 2: Use Context
- Tell Windsurf what you're building
- Provide examples
- Ask for specific formats
- Review suggestions
Practice 3: Start Simple
- Begin with basic functions
- Gradually increase complexity
- Build confidence
- Improve accuracy
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Mistake 1: Speaking too fast ✅ Solution: Slow down, speak clearly
❌ Mistake 2: Using technical jargon ✅ Solution: Use natural language
❌ Mistake 3: Complex instructions ✅ Solution: Break into smaller steps
❌ Mistake 4: No review ✅ Solution: Always review generated code
Troubleshooting
Microphone not working
- Check Windows Sound Settings
- Test microphone in Settings
- Try a different microphone
- Restart SpeakEasy
Transcription errors
- Speak more clearly
- Reduce background noise
- Upgrade to Pro tier
- Add OpenAI API key
Code quality issues
- Provide more context
- Break tasks into steps
- Review suggestions
- Use keyboard for edits
Next Steps
- Practice: Spend 30 minutes dictating simple code
- Explore: Try different modes (Email, Document, Outline)
- Integrate: Use with Windsurf or Cline
- Upgrade: Try Pro tier for better accuracy
Resources
- Features - See what SpeakEasy can do
- Pricing - Choose your plan
- Windsurf Guide - Advanced Windsurf tips
- Cline Integration - AI agent workflows
- Contact - Get help
Conclusion
Voice-to-text is easier than you think. Start with the free tier and discover how it can transform your coding workflow. Check out our features page to learn more about what's possible.
Ready to get started? Download SpeakEasy today! See our pricing page to find the perfect plan.