Pair Programming

Pair Programming is a collaborative software development technique emphasized in Agile methodologies and recognized in the PMI-ACP framework. It involves two programmers working together at one workstation—one person writes code (the "driver") while the other reviews each line as it's typed (the "navigator"). The roles switch periodically, typically every 30-60 minutes. This practice offers several benefits aligned with Agile values: 1. Knowledge sharing: Team members learn from each other, spreading expertise across the team and reducing key-person risk. 2. Higher quality code: Real-time code review catches bugs early. Research indicates pair programming can reduce defect rates by 15-50%. 3. Better design decisions: Two minds collaborate on architecture and approach, often producing more elegant solutions than individuals working alone. 4. Enhanced focus: Pairs maintain concentration better than solo programmers, reducing distractions. 5. Accelerated onboarding: New team members gain proficiency faster when paired with experienced developers. 6. Improved team cohesion: Regular pairing builds relationships and trust among team members. Pair programming aligns with Agile principles like sustainable pace, technical excellence, and delivering working software frequently. While it may initially seem less efficient (using two resources for one task), studies show the quality improvements and reduced maintenance costs often offset the investment. Implementation requires thoughtful pairing strategies—matching senior with junior developers, rotating pairs regularly, and creating a comfortable shared workspace. Some teams use "strong-style pairing" where the navigator has the idea while the driver implements it, even if they know how to do it themselves. For PMI-ACP preparation, understand pair programming as more than a technical practice—it's a manifestation of Agile values emphasizing collaboration, quality, and continuous improvement.

Pair Programming is a collaborative software development technique emphasized in Agile methodologies and recognized in the PMI-ACP framework. It involves two programmers working together at one works…

Concepts covered: Increased Team Bonding, Pair Switching, Communication, Collective Code Ownership, Reduced Distractions, Driver and Navigator Role, Constant Feedback, Code Review, Increased Concentration, Continuous Learning, Shared Understanding, Risk Mitigation, Code Readability, Knowledge Sharing