TypeWords Word Practice Modes: Complete List of 10 Study Methods Explained

TypeWords offers 10 distinct word practice modes defined by the WordPracticeMode enum, ranging from structured learning flows to free-form drills and tests.

The open-source vocabulary application zyronon/TypeWords implements its word practice modes through a centralized type system that ensures consistent behavior across the UI, routing layer, and practice engine. Every mode is enumerated, named, mapped to practice stages, and bound to specific URLs — all traceable in the codebase.

---

Complete List of TypeWords Practice Modes

The WordPracticeMode enum in app/core/types/enum.ts (lines 95-107) defines these numeric values:

Mode	Value	Display Name	Purpose
System	0	学习 (Study)	Full-featured learning with spaced repetition
Free	1	自由练习 (Free Practice)	Open-ended practice without preset schedule
IdentifyOnly	2	自测 (Self-Test)	User identifies words without writing
DictationOnly	3	默写 (Dictation)	Write what you hear
ListenOnly	4	听写 (Listen & Write)	Listen and repeat back
Shuffle	5	随机复习 (Random Review)	Randomized review of learned vocabulary
Review	6	复习 (Review)	Structured spaced-repetition review
ShuffleWordsTest	7	随机单词测试 (Random Word Test)	Test mode with random word selection
ReviewWordsTest	8	单词测试 (Word Test)	Test mode focused on review words
Custom	9	自定义 (Custom)	User-defined or plugin practice flow

Display names are resolved through WordPracticeModeNameMap in app/core/config/env.ts (lines 192-202).

---

How Practice Modes Drive the Application

Stage-to-Mode Mapping

The WordPracticeModeStageMap in app/core/config/env.ts declares which practice stages each mode executes. This determines the actual user experience:

// From app/core/config/env.ts
WordPracticeModeStageMap = {
  [WordPracticeMode.System]: [FollowWriteNewWord, Complete],
  [WordPracticeMode.Free]: [FollowWriteNewWord, Complete],
  [WordPracticeMode.Shuffle]: [Shuffle, Complete],
  [WordPracticeMode.Review]: [Review, Complete],
  // ... additional mappings
}

Each array element represents a stage component rendered sequentially during practice.

URL Routing

The WordPracticeModeUrlMap (same file) routes modes to their appropriate views:

Mode Category	Route
Standard modes (0-7)	/practice-words
Test modes (7-8)	/words-test

---

Working with Practice Modes in Code

Change Mode Programmatically

import { useSettingStore } from '@/core/stores/setting'
import { WordPracticeMode } from '@/core/types/enum'

const settingStore = useSettingStore()

// Switch to dictation-focused practice
settingStore.wordPracticeMode = WordPracticeMode.DictationOnly

React to Mode Changes

import { computed } from 'vue'
import { useSettingStore } from '@/core/stores/setting'
import { WordPracticeMode } from '@/core/types/enum'

const settingStore = useSettingStore()

const isTestMode = computed(() => 
  settingStore.wordPracticeMode === WordPracticeMode.ShuffleWordsTest ||
  settingStore.wordPracticeMode === WordPracticeMode.ReviewWordsTest
)

Navigate to Mode-Specific Route

import { navigateTo } from '#app'
import { WordPracticeModeUrlMap } from '@/core/config/env'
import { WordPracticeMode } from '@/core/types/enum'

// Navigate to the URL bound to Shuffle mode
navigateTo(WordPracticeModeUrlMap[WordPracticeMode.Shuffle])

---

Key Source Files

File	Responsibility
app/core/types/enum.ts	WordPracticeMode enum definition (lines 95-107)
app/core/config/env.ts	WordPracticeModeStageMap, WordPracticeModeNameMap, WordPracticeModeUrlMap
app/core/stores/setting.ts	wordPracticeMode persistent state field
app/core/stores/practice.ts	Consumes mode to build practice flow runtime

---

Summary

• TypeWords provides 10 word practice modes organized in WordPracticeMode enum with values 0-9
• Three architectural layers connect modes to the user: type definitions (enum.ts), configuration mappings (env.ts), and persistent state (setting.ts)
• Two route targets exist: /practice-words for standard learning and /words-test for assessment modes
• Stage arrays in WordPracticeModeStageMap define the actual practice flow components each mode renders

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I implement a custom practice mode in TypeWords?

Extend WordPracticeMode.Custom (value 9) by providing your own stage array in WordPracticeModeStageMap and registering corresponding components. The existing architecture in app/core/config/env.ts supports plugin-style additions without modifying core enums.

What is the difference between Shuffle and Review modes?

Shuffle (mode 5) presents words in random order without spaced-repetition scheduling, ideal for casual review. Review (mode 6) follows structured intervals based on recall difficulty, as implemented in the practice engine's scheduling algorithm in app/core/stores/practice.ts.

Can I restrict users to DictationOnly mode?

Yes. Set settingStore.wordPracticeMode = WordPracticeMode.DictationOnly and optionally disable the mode selector UI. The practice engine will enforce this mode across sessions since the value persists in the setting store.

Which modes support testing without teaching?

ShuffleWordsTest (mode 7) and ReviewWordsTest (mode 8) route to /words-test and skip instructional stages. These modes run only [Test, Complete] stages per WordPracticeModeStageMap, eliminating FollowWriteNewWord or learning-oriented phases.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "instagit": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "instagit@latest"]
    }
  }
}