Pair Programming

Preview to Pair Programming

Asyraf
rubynerds.blogspot.com
Why Pair?
Increase your brainpower
Concentrate one aspect of programming
(coding) while your partner concentrates
on another (design, todos etc)
Reinforce good programming habits
Many programmers find better code
produced when pairing
More focused – less interruption from
azzart
Driver and Navigator
Driver
Person writing code – write, test, etc.
Navigator
Person doing the thinking – design, algorithm,
what next etc.
Pairing Rules
Switch roles between the two of you
frequently – at least every half and hour
Agree on standard tools to use (e.g.
netbeans)
Agree on a way to signal to people
regarding their personal habits/hygiene
(e.g. stink-breath)
Driver
Think out loud
say what your plans are when doing anything
(e.g. 'I plan to do a for loop for this...')
You may feel your navigator sees ideas and
problems more quickly than you. This is right
and should be how it works.
Concentrate on writing good code and let the
navigator think about design issues
How-to: Navigator
Ignore Driver's little mistakes like missing
a semi-colon
Think about:
What tests do you need to write?
How does the code integrate with the rest of
the system?
Can the code be better? Use other methods?
Can the design be better?
How to: Navigator (Cont.)
Think about what's going to happen next
and prepare suggestions
Write issues on paper or notebook, and
discuss with driver when there is a break in
action
If a question arises:
Find the answer while driver continues work.
If finding the answer takes longer than 5
minutes, do it together. Split up, pursue
different paths of inquiry (e.g. do a spike)
If still no answer, consider switching pairs.
Pairing Tips
Pair on everything you’ll need to
maintain.
Allow pairs to form fluidly rather than
assigning partners.
Switch partners when you need a fresh
perspective.
Avoid pairing with the same person for
more than a day at a time.
Pairing Tips (Cont.)
Sit comfortably, side by side.
Produce code through conversation.
Collaborate, don’t critique.
Switch driver and navigator roles
frequently.
Good Luck!
Pairing will be uncomfy at first
Stick with it, and it will soon be more fun!
References
Shore & Warden, 2008 -The Art of Agile
Development . CA. O'Reilly Media Inc.
J Donovan Wells, 2001 -
www.extremeprogramming.org