Collaborative Coding

Pair programming means that two people write code together on one machine. While a pair of developers work on a task together, they do not only write code but also plan and discuss their work. They clarify ideas on the way, discuss approaches and come to better solutions. Teams tend to ship slower over time because they accumulate sub-par code that impedes their progress.

Pair programming brings more intellectual firepower to bear on this challenge. A pair of programmers tend to produce better code than someone working alone. Teams that pair often will maintain a fast shipping speed longer. When pairing, fewer corners are cut (and fewer distractions are indulged in). With two sets of eyes, bugs are caught earlier. With two brains to a storm, more creative solutions can be found.

Pairing is two people working together on a single programming problem. The goal is to spread and exchange knowledge rather than concentrate on it. Pairing is the best way, by far, to share knowledge between team members and prevent knowledge silos from forming. If you’ve chosen to pair on any problem, make sure it’s because you are prioritizing learning over productivity. Over the long term, leveling up the team’s knowledge is worth more than completing today’s task. You’re likely to learn from this experience as well.