But how does having two programmers working together improve software development? Read on to learn more about pair programming, how it works, and its advantages and drawbacks. So in any pair, both developers must be able to see the screen they are working on together clearly. One of the essential tools for pairing is a monitor big enough that both developers can see what’s being written clearly. Depending on the circumstances, this can be accomplished with a shared laptop if you don’t mind huddling together and you use a large enough font with adequate contrast. A better solution is a larger desktop or wall-mounted monitor where the code can be displayed and viewed together more comfortably.
I do believe that there is lot of value in doing so as it improves the quality of code by manifolds. In such scenario you can skip pair programming and revert to it only when a complex functionality is being developed. You can have people who know little bit of every technology and tool used within the project. Another advantage pair programming meaning of this I see is that it helps people in moving across teams much more easier. You no longer have hardcore dependencies on one or two individuals. In an unfortunate event of somebody leaving the organization or contractor leaving after the contract period you no longer have people taking important knowledge with them.
Some pair programming best practices
It’s a fair assumption that, no matter what you’re working on, the person you’re working with has a different background, experience, and comfort with the topic. Recognizing that up front is important, so neither of you will feel the need to try to hide that fact. One of the benefits of pairing is that working together naturally brings up the skills of anyone learning something new, whether that something is a programming language or a communication style. Remote pair programming developers work together using a variety collaborative tools such as real-time editor, shared desktops or a remote pair programming integrated development environment (IDE). Pair programming is a concept where two developers use just one machine to work, meaning they work simultaneously on a single block of code. This brings in the concept of pair programing roles – While one acts as a driver (writing code), the other will play a navigator’s role (ensuring the accuracy of the code).
Many companies that relied on developers sitting side-by-side in pairs had that practice turned upside down in the pandemic-driven age of remote work. Iyzico is a fintech startup that found that it helped them reduce risk by having more eyes on their code to catch bugs and errors. They also found that they were able to scale faster and better than they would have been able to with just one programmer working on a problem or a feature. Directly collaborating with a teammate can increase morale and inject fun and
diversity in one’s day. This technique is being taught in computer science courses and can be used with any inanimate objects or even pets, so you don’t have to importune other developers. With pair programming, the whole pair is already involved with the reasoning behind the code.
Better team morale
As a member, you can access one of the largest online libraries of Agile resources to help build your knowledge and accelerate your application of the Agile mindset and practices. You can also contribute to this collection of articles and recordings to help others looking for info or inspiration. Join us for an online meetup where you can network with other Agilists and discuss what’s on your mind. As soon as a pair accepts a story to work on, they should be able to define how they will know they are done and how they’re going to prove it. From there, they can start to figure out together how best to approach the job. The collaboration, plus the fact that each technician is validating the other, ensures that more thought goes into the writing of each routine.
That’s why pair programming makes the entire team more productive and happier. When sharing best practices with each other, developers get to increase the overall quality of the code. Moreover, when a developer needs to be accountable to their partner, they’re less likely to take any shortcuts https://www.globalcloudteam.com/ or use hacks. The driver is the developer who codes, talks as he/she works and shares their thoughts in real-time. As the “navigator,” another developer watches the driver while they work. While the driver codes, the navigator comments, offers suggestions and can focus on the bigger picture.
Agile Sustainability Initiative
It gets even worst when you’re on PTO or just off sick and still check your notifications just to be told that “what you’ve coded the other day will not work”. Moreover, pair programming has the potential to boost the interpersonal skills of your employees. Such close collaboration on one project can teach your team how to communicate better.
- There is a general feeling in Agile community that most of the production code has to written by a pair.
- Additionally, varying experience levels may slow down the more experienced one to maintain pace.
- It’s true that when practicing pair programming, these team members aren’t going to complete a project in half the time.
- One mistake I’ve seen pairs make is trying to maximize the time they work together as a pair by scheduling a full eight hours together, and sometimes trying to work together beyond that.
- It allows you to predict the future and come up with better and sustainable solutions.
- Such close collaboration on one project can teach your team how to communicate better.
Advanced programmers may prefer the ping-pong style, as it allows them to have even participation. Most pair programming relationships fall into the unstructured style, where two programmers work together in an ad hoc manner and collaboration is loosely guided. A common variant of this style is the unstructured expert-novice pair, where an expert programmer and a novice are paired together. The two developers take turns coding or reviewing and check each other’s work as they go.
Improve your Coding Skills with Practice
In fact, over a period of time, enhanced teamwork improves the overall quality of work. It boils down to the idea that software development is about people. It’s an endeavor that’s typically done best when people work together.
Schedule some time with another developer in your team to tackle a complex problem together that they have been through for a long time. Duckly is a tool that helps you to have more productive pair programming sessions. You can share your code from any IDE and your colleagues can collaborate with you in real-time from their own IDE. Besides code sharing, Duckly allows you to share your terminal, screen and naturally talk.
Spread knowledge
It combines testing and quality control to ensure that your code is error-free. If you are not already doing it, it’s worth trying to do pair programming with your team. If it’s your first time, also be sure to check the guide about starting to pair programming. This will make your work more enjoyable, encourage team communication, and of course, make your code better.
Codes are reviewed in real-time and both programmers can switch roles to keep the momentum alive. Another research report – Strengthening the Case for Pair Programming – suggests that 96% of pair programmers preferred to work in teams and enjoyed the company of another programmer. It is known that when working in teams, professionals get a boost to their confidence levels and enhances their networking skills.
How to pair
While reviewing, the observer also considers the “strategic” direction of the work, coming up with ideas for improvements and likely future problems to address. This is intended to free the driver to focus all of their attention on the “tactical” aspects of completing the current task, using the observer as a safety net and guide. Logistical and personal hurdles such as scheduling, tool choices, and distractions can stop you from getting the most out of pairing. But the potential advantages can make it worth the trouble of recognizing and surmounting these challenges. Additionally, varying experience levels may slow down the more experienced one to maintain pace.