Pair Programming Tips That Actually Help
A few simple, sure fire ways to improve your pair programming experience
Pair programming can be brilliant, but only if you set it up right. Otherwise it can feel a little awkward as two engineers sit in silence whilst watching each other type.
Here are a few simple tips to make it more effective and less exhausting:
👨💻 Try Pomodoro-style pairing
Work in focused 25-minute blocks, then take a 5-minute break. Use the break to stretch, get a drink, or even debrief quickly. It keeps your energy up and your focus sharp. Even consider using a timer to make sure you stick to the blocks of time!
🔁 Switch roles regularly
Take turns being the 'driver' (typing) and the 'navigator' (thinking ahead, reviewing). It prevents burnout and keeps both people engaged. Even better if you switch each Pomodoro round as mentioned in the last tip.
🗣️ Talk out loud
Narrate your thought process. It helps your partner follow along and often leads to clearer thinking on your part. "I’m thinking we extract this into a method..." is better than silent clicking. It is also a great way to mentor others, as you clearly explain you intent instead of just flicking around a codebase making seemingly-random changes.
📋 Agree on the goal first
Before you even start coding, align on what you're trying to achieve. A 2-minute chat up front avoids 20 minutes of backtracking later. This allows both engineers to know where things are headed, allowing for conversations that have greater focus and alignment.
📵 Minimise distractions
Close Slack, silence notifications, and focus on the task at hand. Pairing demands more mental energy than solo coding, so protect that headspace. It sounds simple, but it really does help.
🤝 Be kind
It’s not a performance. It’s a collaboration. Make space for questions, pauses, and learning (on both sides). If you’re working with a more junior engineer, take the opportunity to turn it into a mentoring and coaching exercise and watch them grow.
That’s it for this week’s Theory Thursday - a little food for thought to carry into the rest of your week. If you’ve got a theory you want to see covered, a story to share, or just fancy a chat about the weird and wonderful world of management, hit reply or drop me a message.
Until next time, stay curious.
Mike 👋