The '''pinyin method''' ({{zh|s=拼音输入法|t=拼音輸入法|p=pīnyīn shūrù fǎ}}) refers to a family of [[Chinese input methods for computers|input methods]] based on the [[pinyin]] method of romanization.
In the most basic form, the pinyin method allows a user to input [[Chinese characters]] by entering the pinyin of a Chinese character and then presenting the user with a list of possible characters with that [[Standard Chinese phonology|pronunciation]]. However, there are a number of slightly different such systems in use, and modern pinyin methods provide a number of convenient features.
==Advantages and disadvantages==
The obvious advantage of pinyin-based input methods is the ease of learning for [[Standard Chinese]] speakers. Those who are familiar with pinyin and are able to recognize the resulting characters would be able to input Chinese charactersthem with almost no training, compared to other input methods.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pinyinjoe.com/about-pinyin-input.htm|title=About Pinyin input (and other methods): Chinese typing basics and background :: Pinyin Joe|website=www.pinyinjoe.com|access-date=2020-03-31}}</ref> It does not require the user to be able to construct the character from scratch, as one would do in [[written Chinese]]. Since all children in [[Mainland China]] are required to learn pinyin in [[Education in China|school]], pinyin is among the most popular input methods there.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.justincheuk.com/just-how-do-you-type-in-chinese-introduction-to-chinese-input-methods/|title=Just How do you Type in Chinese? Introduction to Chinese Input Methods|last=Cheuk|first=Justin|date=2016-12-09|website=Justin Cheuk: When HK Meets UK|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-03-31}}</ref>
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For people who do not speak Chinese, the main advantage of pinyin becomes its disadvantage. They will need to learn the Standard Chinese pronunciation of characters before they are able to use this input method.
However, since all children in [[Mainland China]] are required to learn [[pinyin]] in school, pinyin is in fact very popular there.
▲Unlike stroke-based input methods, the pinyin method only requires the user to know how to speak Mandarin and be able to recognize the characters. It does not require the user to be able to construct the character from scratch as one would do in writing Chinese. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage. It is an advantage in that people will be able to type all the characters they can recognize. It is a disadvantage in that it may cause [[language attrition]] and skill loss in adults, and it may be a learning barrier for written Chinese in children.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B01E1D9163EF932A35751C0A9679C8B63|title=Where the PC Is Mightier Than the Pen|last=Lee|first=Jennifer|date=2001-02-01|publisher=[[New York Times]]|accessdate=2008-07-29}}</ref>
== Elements and features ==
{{Refimprovesection|date=March 2020}}{{Manual}}
Pinyin input methods differ in a number of possible aspects. Most pinyin input methods provide convenience features to speed up input. Some of these features can speed up typing immensely.
