Pair Programming

This chapter will explain basic concepts of pair programming. We would also explain its benefits, advantages and disadvantages of pair programming. In the end we will conclude the topic by mentioning ongoing research in this field.

Introduction

Pair programming is a style of programming in which two programmers work side-by-side at one computer, continuously collaborating on the same design, algorithm, code or test. Use of this practice has been demonstrated to improve productivity and quality of software products in one of the paper <ref name = ref-paper />.

In Pair programming practice, two software engineers work on one task at one computer. One of the engineer acts as a driver who has control of the keyboard and mouse and (s)he creates the implementation. The other engineer acts as a navigator and watches the driver's implementation to identify defects and participates in on-demand brainstorming.

Extreme Programming (XP), is an emerging software development methodology. Pair programming is one of the corollary practices of Extreme Programming. XP advocates pair programming with such fervor that even prototyping done solo is scrapped and re-written with a partner.

Back to top