QWERTY is a keyboard layout used for computer keyboards and typewriters.

It is the
most widely used keyboard layout in the world and is named after the first six
letters on the keyboard's top row.

The QWERTY layout was developed in the 1870s by Christopher Sholes, who was trying
to create a typewriter that would not jam when typing quickly. The layout was
designed to separate commonly used letter pairs and prevent them from being struck
by adjacent keys. This resulted in a layout that is not based on alphabetical order
but rather optimized for efficient and comfortable typing.

The QWERTY layout has undergone some changes over the years, but the basic design
remains the same. The keys are arranged in a rectangular grid with rows staggered
vertically and horizontally. The letters are arranged in a way that allows the
fingers to move efficiently between keys, and commonly used letters are placed in
easy-to-reach positions.

While the QWERTY layout has been widely used for over a century, it is not without
its criticisms. Some argue that the layout is inefficient and can cause strain or
injury to the hands and wrists over time. Alternatives to the QWERTY layout, such
as the Dvorak Simplified Keyboard and Colemak, have been developed to address these
concerns.

Despite its potential drawbacks, the QWERTY layout remains the most commonly used
keyboard layout in the world and is recognized as the standard layout for most
computer keyboards and typewriters.