What is pair programming?

As we dive into the world of coding, we discover this super cool way of doing things that’s all about teaming up and tackling problems together. Pair programming is an old concept that has been around since the 90s. It has proved to be useful in many cases. If this term seems new, you’ve landed in the right place. Today, we’ll discuss what pair programming is, its benefits, uses, and disadvantages. 

Pair programming is not your usual sit-alone-and-code kind of vibe. Instead, imagine coding with your friend right next to you, working on the same thing, bouncing ideas off each other, and catching mistakes on the fly. Sounds interesting and fun? That’s basically pair programming. 

What is pair programming?#

Pair programming refers to two developers working together and using the same resources for a project. The programmers/developers work on the code simultaneously. This enhances collaboration between the developers and allows them to write the code more efficiently. 

In pair programming, one programmer is the driver, and the other is the navigator. 

• Driver: The driver is the person who writes the code. They’re in charge of typing the code into the editor and focusing on the immediate tasks at hand, translating the pair’s ideas into executable programming.

• Navigator: The navigator takes on a more strategic role, reviewing the code as it’s written, thinking ahead, considering the broader design and structure, and suggesting improvements or identifying potential issues. They guide the driver with insights and directions but don’t directly interact with the code.

Many developers have also started practicing remote pair programming. In remote pair programming, two developers work on the same piece of code but from different computers. They’re connected with each other and work as a driver and navigator, respectively, but just from their different screens. 

How does pair programming work?#

Pair programming is a collaborative coding technique where two developers work together at one workstation. Both developers sit in the same working space with one system. They share a single screen or can use dual monitors, but mirror the same content so both developers can see what code is being written in real time. 

As stated, the two programmers have different roles: driver and navigator. The driver writes the code and types it manually. At the same time, the navigator takes a step back from the actual typing to consider the bigger picture. They review the code as it’s written, suggest improvements, think about the overall structure and strategy, and watch out for potential pitfalls. They might also look for solutions or documentation as needed.

Periodically, the driver and navigator switch roles to ensure that both get a chance to engage deeply with the code and contribute their perspectives. The frequency of switching can vary based on the preferences of the pair or the needs of the task.

Advantages of pair programming#

Pair programming is a common practice for Agile software development. It’s widely used among developers for various reasons. There are numerous pair programming benefits, but let’s discuss a few important ones. 

Knowledge sharing#

Pair programming is an excellent way for team members to learn from each other. Whether mastering a new programming language, getting up to speed with a codebase, or sharing best practices, the collaborative nature of pair programming facilitates skill transfer and professional growth.

Reduced errors#

Because two people are working on the same code, the chances of errors and bugs are significantly reduced. While the driver in pair programming is writing the code, the navigator keeps an eye on it and points out any mistakes. This collaboration results in reduced errors and effective software development. 

Improved code quality#

Two is better than one. Two sets of eyes on the code mean fewer chances of missing out on mistakes and bugs. The continuous review process inherent in pair programming helps catch and fix errors on the spot, leading to cleaner, more efficient, and more reliable code.

Collaborative thinking#

Regularly working with a coding partner improves communication skills among team members. This enhanced communication can lead to better collaboration across the entire team and a more cohesive work environment. Pair programming also lends itself to a mentor-mentee relationship, where more experienced developers can guide less experienced ones, helping them to level up their skills more quickly than they might on their own.

Disadvantages of pair programming#

While pair programming proves to be very beneficial for many developers, it does have some drawbacks that need to be addressed. Let’s have a look at a few disadvantages of pair programming. 

Expensive#

Pair programming can be expensive from one perspective because it requires two programmers for one code. This means double manpower for one task. This can be particularly concerning in budget-sensitive environments or for smaller companies with limited resources. The rationale is straightforward: if both developers are engaged in a single task, the immediate output is less than what could be achieved if they were independently working on separate tasks. 

More complex#

The complexity associated with pair programming can manifest in several ways. It requires a compatible pairing of developers, which involves matching skill levels, working styles, and even personalities to some extent. Finding the right pair can be complex because only some developers might be comfortable or practically productive in a closely collaborative environment. 

Wrapping up!#

Pair programming is a fantastic practice for people still learning to code. With an experienced programmer as a pair, we can learn a lot and get a lot of guidance. Moreover, organizations are also incorporating AI pair programming that adds an AI assistant/partner on board and works with the programmer on the code. This is a fantastic technique to reduce errors and learn from mistakes. Would you give pair programming a try?