Pair Programming is a skill you can learn

There is ample evidence available that shows working in pairs produces better result and builds great team morale than working alone. Still many think pair programming slows them down or they need to be a natural at pair programming.

This talk aims at breaking the taboo around pair programming by addressing problems that presents themselves during pairing. By the end of this talk the audience will have a comprehensive guide with tools and techniques that will help them to learn pair programming

Are you a programmer who has never paired? Are you a programmer who thinks pair programming is not for you? Does your team wants to pair program but you are not sure how?

Come and learn to be an effective pair.

Transcript

1. PAIRING IS A SKILL YOU CAN LEARN...
2. Syamala Umamaheswaran Software Engineer @ Volkswagen Digital: Lab @shyamala_u shyamz-22 dev.to/shyamala_u
3. UNCONSCIOUS INCOMPETENCE I don’t know what I don’t know 01
4. What is Pair Programming? It is a style of programming, where two programmers work side by side continuously collaborating on the same design, algorithm, code or test
5. Why Pair Programming? • 15% Fewer bugs* • Less distractions at work • Expands skill set and knowledge • Good team morale • Reduces Key Person Risk • It is healthy!! *Reference: The cost and benefits of pair programming
6. Pair Programmers.... FOCUS Keep each other on task, towards same goal CARE Take initiative, help your pair to lower frustration TRUST Do not compete with each other. DISCUSS Brainstorm refinements to system SHARE Shares the ownership of the code and responsible for team practices UNDERSTAND Clarify Ideas, be on the same page
7. CONSCIOUS INCOMPETENCE I know that, I don’t know how to do this yet 02
8. THE SETUP
9. The Roles Is the person that provides birds eye view of the direction of work NAVIGATOR The person on the keyboard DRIVER
10. The Techniques Task List Switch on tasks Pomodoro Switch on a timer Ping Pong Switch on failing test Pairmate/ One Keyboard Switch by passing the stuffed animal or unplugged keyboard
11. Types of Pair Programming MOB Whole team works on the same design, code or test REMOTE Your pair is not co located. Some tools, • USE Together • Tuple SOLO The regular programming, you work alone.
12. Your First Pairing Session • Pair with someone nice and kind • Pick tools that are comfortable for both • Pick an easy and familiar task • Agree on a time and make yourself available without interruptions
13. Relax, It is ok to be nervous
14. Pairing Myths Pairing only means you cannot act outside of team Cannot think alone 01 • Core Pairing hours • Solo tracks You have to pair 100% 02
15. CONSCIOUS COMPETENCE I know that, I know how to do this 03
16. FOR A GREAT PAIRING SESSION Agree on high level goal 01 Break work to tasks and prioritize Decide on the technique 03 Configure git to share credit Eliminate distractions 05 02 04 07 Work and take enough breaks End with mini retro 06 *Reference: Tuple app Pairing Guide
17. Rotate Pairs
18. Problems faced while Pairing • Not minding the personal space • Get me a cup of tea ☕ Syndrome (Pair abandon) • Barely Shipping and longer discussions • Not taking enough breaks
19. Problems faced while Pairing • Super star mindset • Different Skill and Experience levels • Emotionally hard It is ok to not want to pair
20. MINI RETRO Focus Communication Quality of work Pace of Work Sharing of Work Action Items *Reference: Tuple app Pairing Guide
21. UNCONSCIOUS COMPETENCE 04 I know, that I can do it effortlessly
22. YOU ARE AN EFFECTIVE PAIR WHEN ❏ You think out loud ❏ You are able to say let us try your idea first ❏ You don’t show frustration, rather give constructive feedback ❏ You prioritize learning over productivity while pairing with a Novice
23. YOU ARE AN EFFECTIVE PAIR WHEN ❏ You are happy to share responsibilities ❏ You admit you don’t know ❏ You admit you are stuck or tired ❏ You appreciate your Pair You are humble and kind..
24. CREDITS: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo, including icons by Flaticon, and infographics & images by Freepik https:/ /dev.to/shyamala_u Twitter: @shyamala_u Github: shyamz_22 THANKS
25. References: • Pair Programming • Pair Programming Guide • Best ways to pair program • Repetitive Stress Injury RESOURCES Images: • Volkswagen Digital:Lab Berlin • Pair Programming 8 bit icons