How effective is pair programming?
The effectiveness of pair programming: A meta-analysis, surveying 18 major empirical studies, reporting increased quality and compressed schedules, but some cost overhead; schedule compression mainly for simpler tasks performed by junior developers, a situation which also correlates with lower quality
What is a pair of programmers?
Definition. Pair programming consists of two programmers sharing a single workstation (one screen, keyboard and mouse among the pair). The programmer at the keyboard is usually called the “driver”, the other, also actively involved in the programming task but focusing more on overall direction is the “navigator”;
What are the advantages of having a programming partner?
It would allow programmers to get instant face-to-face instruction, which is much better than online tutorials and faster than looking for resources on the Internet. Plus, you can learn things better from your partner, especially in areas that may be unfamiliar to you.
Why do developers need to work in pairs?
Code Quality Pairs of developers are more likely to catch problems with code quality while working together. While the driver is focused on writing the code, the navigator is free to think about the style and function. Code quality standards tend to be followed more consistently when developers work together in pairs.
What are four benefits of pair programming?
The Pros of Pair ProgrammingFewer mistakes and bugs. Software developers usually work alone, which can cause negative traits like stubbornness and tunnel vision. ... Greater resiliency. The “bus factor” should be a concern for all mature software development teams. ... Increased code quality. ... Faster training. ... Improved team morale.
What are benefits of pair programming?
Pair Programming BenefitsIncreased discipline. Pairing partners are more likely to "do the right thing" and are less likely to take long breaks. ... Better code. ... Resilient flow. ... Improved morale. ... Collective code ownership. ... Mentoring. ... Team cohesion. ... Fewer interruptions.More items...
When should you not pair programs?
Don't pair program just because it's an 8 point story. So if it starts at an 8, it's going to be like a 13 if 2 programmers are working on it. You're much better off putting your effort into making that story less complex and breaking it into smaller stories.
What is pair programming quizlet?
pair programming. simple, straightforward concept. Two programmers work side-by-side at one computer, continuously collaborating on the same design, algorithm, code, and test. It allows two people to produce a higher quality of code than that produced by the summation of their solitary efforts.
What is the benefit of pair programming in XP?
It is a higher form of code reviews. Two people have to be there and understand the program being written. And if one sees problems with the other's code, then it can be instantly corrected. You also have fewer chances of having bugs written into your code.
What are the 6 reasons for pair programming?
Let's take a look!Greater efficiency. It is a common misconception that pair programming takes a lot longer and is less efficient. ... Engaged collaboration. ... Learning from fellow students. ... Social skills. ... Job interview readiness. ... Work environment readiness.
Why is pair programming bad?
Pair programming interrupts that flow, or worse, prevents it from happening. It often follows a rigid schedule, dictating programming sessions at certain times, even if the developer isn't in the right mindset. Some people simply work better on their own terms, when inspiration strikes.
What is pair programming discuss its advantages and disadvantages?
Pair programming is a practice in software development where two developers collaborate in a single workstation at the same time. This collaboration can be done either remotely or in person. If it's the former, programmers will need special software that allows screen sharing and real-time editing to make it all work.
What is pair programming explain its challenges and limitations?
Pair programming, also known as “pair coding” or “just pairing”, is about team collaboration. It is an agile software development technique that implies that the code is written by two people in real time, instead of just one. The pairing set typically includes one screen, two sets of keyboards, and two mice.
What challenges would you expect to arise during pair programming?
Challenges & common pitfallsPair-programming is NOT the right tool for every task. ... Pair-programming is NOT right for everyone. ... Remote pair-programming. ... Lack of engagement. ... Silence. ... “Watch the Master” ... Loss of Confidence. ... Lack of code-ownership.
What is the role of the driver in the pair programming setting quizlet?
What is the role of the driver? driver is doing the programming and a running spoken narrative of what they are doing and why.
What is the role of the driver in pair programming?
Pair programming is a practice of two programmers working together on the same task at a single computer. Typically, one of them is a driver (or a pilot) and the second one is a navigator. The driver writes the code and the navigator reviews the code and plans the action.
What is a pair of code?
Pair Programming, also called pair coding or just “pairing,” turns software development into a team effort. Instead of one person writing code, two people collaborate in real time. One developer, the “driver,” has his/her hands on the keyboard and actually writes the code. The driver speaks as she works, sharing her thinking in real time.
How often do you swap pairs?
As you try pairing, experiment with different modes and pair combinations. Some pairs stick together for a week or more, others swap every day. Some developers may prefer the driver or navigator role, or prefer to switch back and forth depending on the situation.
What to do when pairing a team?
If your team is considering pairing, there are several steps you can take to prepare. The first thing to do is talk about it as a team. If the team consensus leans toward a lot of discomfort, a large-scale trial of pairing is probably not a good idea.
Why are Bob and Jody so good?
Bob and Jody make a great pair because they understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Jody drives more often because she likes to speak while coding. However, she knows that she has a tendency to overwhelm the process. She tries to be mindful of this, and make sure Bob remains engaged by asking questions.
Can two developers be swayed?
Reluctant developers may be swayed, at least to try it, after hearing about direct experiences from colleagues. Your physical workspaces can be configured to be pairing-friendly. Two developers, crammed into a typical one-person cube with a curved space for the computer, is a very uncomfortable configuration.
Is pair programming new?
Pair programming isn’t new , but it is often associated with the Extreme Programming (XP) movement. If you are a developer, and you’ve never tried pair programming, this may seem a little strange, perhaps even off-putting. Pair programming is quite different from solo programming. It may sound a little weird, but it does have pros and cons.
Can senior developers lower their output?
Senior developers may not be eager to lower their output while pairing. “Watch the Master” Pairing two developers with a significant experience gap can be beneficial to both, under the right circumstances. However, it can also lead to the more experienced developer dominating the process.
Why is pair programming important?
However, a growing number of companies are finding that pair programming has a variety of benefits, including saved development time, higher-quality code, and better training and onboard ing. As a result, everyone on the team is working together to build the most successful, best version of the product possible.
What is a pair of programmers?
Pair programming, as the name suggests, is a software development practice in which two programmers collaborate on a single workstation at the same time. This collaboration can be done either in person or remotely, in which case you’ll need software for screen sharing and real-time editing. There are two alternating roles for developers ...
What happens when you pair code?
When you’re pair programming, however, you’re forced to work as a team. This automatically gives the code more “quality control.”. Both partners use their shared experience and knowledge to solve problems faster as they arise. According to a study by the University of Utah, code produced during pair programming has 15 percent fewer defects.
How long does it take to switch off a pair of programs?
Both parties switch off roles at regular intervals, anywhere between 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Is pair programming still a practice?
For many organizations, pair programming is still a hotly debated practice; some adopt it wholeheartedly, while others outright refuse to consider it. In the next two sections, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of pair programming to understand each of these viewpoints.
Can software developers work alone?
Software developers usually work alone, which can cause negative traits like stubbornness and tunnel vision. It’s all too easy to get stuck when trying to fix a bug based on an incorrect assumption, a hidden typo, or a gap in your knowledge. When you’re pair programming, however, you’re forced to work as a team.
Is software engineering a solitary field?
It’s a common misconception that software engineering is a solitary field. As in most endeavors, teamwork can help you solve programming issues more quickly and efficiently. In this article, we’ll discuss the practice of pair programming and some of its most important benefits and drawbacks.
Velocity
Before we started pairing, our team was doing around 40 points every two-week sprint for our velocity. We knew going into it that we were effectively cutting the development team in half, so our velocity was going to take a big hit. It worried us a bit, as our business owner was not going to like a lower velocity.
Training
A huge benefit we gained that we didn’t even think about was how pairing would affect onboarding of new developers. When new developers were brought onto the team, we had all the usual things to help them out, including developer onboarding guides to get their machines set up with all the software and tools they would need.
Quality
The majorly touted benefit of pairing is the quality it brings to the software the team produces. We always stressed code reviews, unit testing, and documentation before pairing. Sadly, it almost always fell by the wayside. Again, the pairing brought accountability to this effort. We now had 100 percent code reviews on all code being written.
Technical Debt
Before we started pairing, we had a team architect. He designed the architecture, got the developers’ buy-in, and ensured we were following the standards in using it when we developed stories. The team was still rather small, so it was easier to ensure we stuck to the software design.
Conclusion
Negatives to pairing did come up in the retrospective. One included senior developers feeling they had to slow down when paired with junior developers. Some of the developers have a hard time expressing vocally the thoughts they have running through their heads about the problem at hand.
A shorter, high quality code
The main benefit of pair programming is undoubtedly the quality of code that will come out of a session.
Less maintenance code
In 2009, William Malik, at the time research director at Gartner, calculated that 40% of all system crashes are software related, and that those crashes take longer than hardware related ones to be fixed.
Faster training of new team members
It is common knowledge that a new engineer will need several months to fully get up to speed after their onboarding.
Happier employees
Last but certainly not least, why not use pair programming as a way to get to know better the brilliant individuals you work alongside everyday, and enjoy the process at the same time? Reluctances to start pair programming may be high, but according to several surveys conducted by pair programmers, it definitely is worth a shot.
Pair Programming: Pros, Cons, Best Practices
One of the most common misconceptions about the software developer's work is that it's a solitary job. Just like in many other undertakings, teamwork is an essential element in a software development project. A great team helps to solve programming issues faster and more efficiently.
What is pair programming?
Pair programming is a practice in software development where two developers collaborate in a single workstation at the same time. This collaboration can be done either remotely or in person. If it's the former, programmers will need special software that allows screen sharing and real-time editing to make it all work.
Pros of pair programming
When software developers work alone, they can fall victim to many problems. Tunnel vision or stubbornness in using a specific method for solving a problem – these are just the tip of the iceberg. They might get stuck while trying to fix a bug based on an incorrect assumption. They might have gaps in knowledge or simply make some typos.
Cons of pair programming
The idea of having two developers working on a single task at the same time seems like a waste of valuable resources. It's true that when practicing pair programming, these team members aren't going to complete a project in half the time.
Is pair programming better than code reviews?
First, let’s explain what code reviews are. Code reviews mean having another programmer look at your code to see if there's anything that might be improved or if there are any bugs. It combines testing and quality control to ensure that your code is error-free.
Best practices for pair programming
The truth is that every team does pair programming to some extent, even if it doesn't admit to it. Almost every developer out there has a tendency to call others for help when they're stuck on a complex piece of code. That's a form of pair programming as well.
What is a pair of programmers?
Pair programming consists of two programmers sharing a single workstation (one screen, keyboard and mouse among the pair). The programmer at the keyboard is usually called the “driver”, the other, also actively involved in the programming task but focusing more on overall direction is the “navigator”; it is expected that the programmers swap roles every few minutes or so.
What is ping pong programming?
When used simultaneously with test-driven development, one variant called “ping-pong programming” encourages more frequent switching of roles: one programmer writes a failing unit test, then passes the keyboard to the other who writes the corresponding code, then goes on to a new test.
What is the meaning of "able to participate as navigator"?
able to participate as navigator, in particular to intervene appropriately. able to participate as driver, in particular to explain code while writing it. Intermediate. can tell the right moment to give up the keyboard and switch roles. can tell the right moment to “steal” the keyboard and switch roles. Advanced.
Can pair programming be forced?
pair programming cannot be fruitfully forced upon people, especially if relationship issues, including the most mundane (such as personal hygiene), are getting in the way; solve these first!
What Is Pair Programming?
The Advantages of Pair Programming
- Pair Programming is credited with a variety of benefits. Code QualityPairs of developers are more likely to catch problems with code quality while working together. While the driver is focused on writing the code, the navigator is free to think about the style and function. Code quality standards tend to be followed more consistently when developers work together in pairs. Robust Solutions…
The Disadvantages of Pair Programming
- Pair programming has benefits, but it’s not a panacea, and it’s not for everyone. Higher CostsIt follows logically that two developers using one keyboard multiplies development costs. Studies have shown a 15% - 100% increase in baseline development costs. While these costs may be offset at least in part by increased quality and less rework, teams c...
Getting Started: Pair Programming Tips
- If your team is considering pairing, there are several steps you can take to prepare. The first thing to do is talk about it as a team. If the team consensus leans toward a lot of discomfort, a large-scale trial of pairing is probably not a good idea. Start small with developers that are willing to try it out, then let them share their experiences. Reluctant developers may be swayed, at least to try …
Pair Programming Examples
- Here are two example scenarios for pairing: Example 1: Two Experienced DevelopersBob and Jody are both senior developers for ACME Corp. They have been with the company for about the same length of time, and have similar levels of experience in software development. Jody is gregarious and talkative. Bob is more reserved, and struggles with speaking while driving. Bob a…