Pair Programming 1o1

Collaborate. Code. Succeed.

Agenda

  • What is Pair Programming?
  • Benefits
  • Challenges
  • Best Practices
  • Tools and Setup
  • Q&A

What is Pair Programming?

Pair Programming in action

A collaborative software development technique where two programmers work together at one workstation.

The Roles: Driver & Navigator

  • 🧑🏼‍✈️ Driver: Types the code, focuses on tactics.
  • 🗺️ Navigator: Reviews each line, suggests improvements, and thinks strategically.
Driver and Navigator roles

Engagement

Quick Poll: Have you ever tried pair programming? What was your main takeaway?

Benefits of Pair Programming

Collaboration benefits

Pair programming is not just about writing code—it's about enhancing teamwork and learning.

1. Higher Code Quality 🏅

  • Continuous code review reduces bugs and technical debt.
  • Two perspectives catch mistakes early.

2. Improved Learning & Knowledge Sharing 📚

  • Developers pick up new techniques and standards from each other.
  • Junior and senior engineers both benefit.

3. Better Team Communication 🤝

  • Strengthens relationships and understanding between teammates.
  • Encourages open discussion and problem-solving.

Engagement

Discussion: Which benefit would help our team the most?

Challenges

It’s not always smooth sailing—let's talk about what makes pair programming hard.

Challenges of pair programming

1. Personality Clashes 😣

  • Different working styles can create friction.
“Why did you do it that way?”

2. Fatigue 💤

  • Pairing can be more mentally taxing than solo work.
  • Breaks are essential!

3. Pace Mismatch ⏱️

  • One person may be faster or more familiar with the task.
  • Solution: Communication & role-switching.

Engagement

Prompt: What challenge would you be most concerned about? How could we overcome it?

Techniques & Best Practices

Pair programming best practices

How can we pair up effectively?

1. Switch Roles Regularly 🔄

  • 🔀 Alternate between Driver and Navigator every 20-30 minutes.
  • 💡 Pomodoro Technique fits well here!
Pair programming timer

2. Take Breaks ⏸️

Pair programming timer
  • Short breaks help maintain focus and prevent fatigue.

2. Ping pong TDD

  • Member 1 writes a test.
  • Member 2 makes it pass.
  • Pair discuss refactorings
  • Member 2 implements the refactorings.
  • Member 2 writes the next test
Pair programming timer

3. 10 seconds rule

  • If you see a typo, wait 10 seconds before pointing it out.

4. Your idea first 🙌

  • Senior people are open to try other people's ideas.
  • This is not about idea ownership

Engagement

Prompt: Can you think of other practices that would make pairing enjoyable?

Tools & Setup

Pair programming tools

Get the right environment for a smooth pairing session.

Co-located

  • Single keyboard and mouse
  • Multi-keyboard and mouse
  • Mirror display vs extended display
  • Chairs and desk
Co-located pair programming

Remote

Remote pair programming
  • Screen sharing: Visual Studio Live Share, CodeTogether, Tuple
  • Keep video on
  • Turn video off during breaks
  • Headphones, mics, or speakers are recommended for better audio quality
  • Use hands gestures

Pro Tip

  • Agree on workflows and conventions before you start.
  • Prep your environment—fewer distractions.

Engagement

Prompt: Which tools do you prefer for collaboration?

Q&A

What questions do you have?
Let’s discuss your experiences, concerns, or suggestions!

Questions