Pair Programming in CSSE 120

• What is pair programming?

  Working in pairs on a single computer.

  • One person, the driver, uses the keyboard.
  • The other person, the navigator, watches, thinks, makes suggestions and takes notes.
  The partners switch roles frequently.

• Why is pair programming useful?

  Pair programming is a real-world practice espoused by Extreme Programming (as well as by other software development methodologies). From www.extremeprogramming.org/rules/pair.html:

  It is counter intuitive, but 2 people working at a single computer will add as much functionality as two working separately except that it will be much higher in quality. With increased quality comes big savings later in the project.

• How should I do pair programming?

  Again from www.extremeprogramming.org/rules/pair.html:

  The best way to pair program is to just sit side by side in front of the monitor. Slide the key board and mouse back and forth. Both programmers concentrate on the code being written.

  Pair programming is a social skill that takes time to learn. You are striving for a cooperative way to wok that includes give and take from both partners regardless of corporate status. The best pair programmers know when to say “let's try your idea first.” Don't expect people to be good at it from the start. It helps if you have someone on your team with experience to show everyone what it should feel like.

  One thing pair programming is not is mentoring. A teacher-stundent relationship feels very different from two people working together as equals even if one has significantly more experience.

  It takes time to get used to pair programming so don't worry if it feels awkward at first.

  Also see these Pair Programming Do's and Don'ts.

• How do I share my work with my partner? How do I turn in our work?
  1. In class, choose a partner (or your instructor may assign a partner for you).
  2. Your instructor will pass around a sheet for you to list your name and your partner's.
     • Do all your work on the computer and using the repository of the person whose name you list FIRST on that sheet.
  3. Work on that machine, using the project checked out from that repository. Commit frequently, as usual.
  4. Shift roles frequently, but continue to use the same machine (just switch who is typing on it).
  5. Before the session is over, make arrangements for:
     • WHEN you will meet to complete the pair-programming assignment.
     • WHERE that meeting will take place.
       • The CSSE labs, Moench F-217 and Moench F-225, are perfect — they have big monitors that are great for pair programming.
     • HOW LONG you expect that meeting to last.
       • If you are not done when your time is up, decided whether to continue then or find another time to finish.
     • HOW YOU CAN REACH EACH OTHER (email and cell phones, at least) in case:
       • You need to reschedule a scheduled meeting. (If so, don't just email and ASSUME confirmation &mdash talk to your partner directly.)
       • Your partner does not show up for a scheduled meeting.
  6. When the grader returns the marked-up and graded assignment, he or she will return it to BOTH partner's repository.
     • So you will both end up with a copy of the completed assignment.

 

• What do I do if the assignment says to do pair programming, but I believe that I cannot do so (e.g. because my partner refuses to meet with me)?
  1. If you miss class and are not assigned a partner, contact your instructor ASAP (and BEFORE you begin the assignment) to see whether your instructor will assign you a partner or allow you to continue without a partner.
  2. Make every effort possible to pair program with your partner.
  3. Don't wait until the last minute to do the assignment.
  4. If you truly believe that you cannot complete the assignment using pair programming:
     • Contact your instructor and explain the circumstance.
     • Your instructor will tell you what to do (including, if necessary, sending you a copy of the current state of the project from your partner's repository).
  5. If last-minute problems develop, see your instructor for what to do. If your partner (and not you) is the problem, your instructor will give you extra time to complete the assignment on your own if necessary.