Backtrack-Free Cursive

	Backtrack-Free Cursive(mmapped.blog)
	262 points by dmit 1 day ago \| 123 comments
	tl;dr: Frustrated by the backtracking required to dot i's and cross t's when writing English cursive (51% of words in Crime and Punishment vs. 6.4% in Russian), the author designed a single-stroke cursive script based on SmithHand. Key innovations include drawing x as mirrored c's, adding t's crossbar via a "4"-like motion, and replacing i/j dots with tight loops that flow into the stem. After months of use, the author reports writing English is now as enjoyable as writing Russian.
	HN Discussion: ~Existing cursive scripts like Zaner-Bloser attempt similar pen-lift minimization but suffer from readability issues with loops ↓The proposed script sacrifices readability for writing speed, making letters harder to decipher ~Similar backtrack-free approaches already exist in other traditions like Dutch t's, Sütterlin x's, and traditional flowing cursives ↑Shorthand systems or personal adaptations offer even better solutions to the flow problem ↓Backtracking isn't actually a problem worth solving; the issue is traditional vs modern cursive, not language