Pair programming has gained in popularity among companies by enabling developers to learn from each other and make fewer mistakes. Pair programming can enable both partners to learn and grow if communication is open, friendly, and based on mutual trust and respect. The skills needed to be a good pair will strengthen with practice, which is why we have incorporated pair programming into Phase 0!
Read Pair Programming Considered Extremely Beneficial to further understand the benifits of pair programming.
As part of Phase 0, students are expected to pair program with another student in their cohort, from any location:
- Unit 1: 4 times (You are not expected to pair in week 1)
- Unit 2: 6 times
- Unit 3: 6 times
While it is not mandatory, we encourage students to pair with a different person in each session. This ensures you do not get use to just one person's unique pairing style. We also recommend pairing twice per week, but this is flexible. You can pair more in one week and less in the next.
It is up to each student to arrange pairing sessions. We suggest posting in the Google+ community to request a pairing session. In your post, it helps to state a time/times (including a time zone) and the challenge you want to pair on. Once another student says they are avalible to pair, you should decide whether you will attempt the challenge before the agreed upon time or decide to not work on it before the session.
- A peer pairing session must be 45 minutes.
- You can work on any of the challenges for the week except for the solo challenges.
- You must pair on "Mandatory Pairing" challenges.
- Guided Pairing Sessions (GPS) DO NOT count as peer-pairing sessions.
- The number of peer pairing sessions you complete is self reported and on an honor system.
- You must give feedback to your pair after every session in the Feedbackinator.
Please keep in mind that all students are busy and working hard to balance their non-DBC life (work, family, etc.) and Phase 0 requirements. If it turns out you can not make the session you've scheduled for any reason, please contact your pair as soon as possible.
Try your best to work from a quiet place with a reliable internet connection. It is usually helpful to have headphones for your sessions as well.
You will be successful in your Peer-Pairing sessions if you:
- Check in with your pair according to the Pairing is Caring video.
- Decide which of you will start as the driver and navigator, discuss what each role requires, and stick with it.
- Alternate between driving and navigating. Aim to spend about 50% of your time in each role.
- Keep communication open and tell your pair when you need time to think.
- Ask your pair for their opinions and ideas often.
- Allow yourself to make mistakes.
- Submit feedback to help your pair improve.
- Use feedback you've received to become a better pair.