Pair / Mob Programming

What is Pair / Mob Programming?

  • A collaborative approach to both software development and learning
  • The whole team works together on the same task, in the same environment
    • Shared screen, shared code, real-time collaboration
  • Acts as a form of dynamic code review

Basic Rules

  • Driver: Types the code
  • Navigators: Review the code, research syntax or patterns, and discuss approaches
    • Prevent mistakes and improve design in real time
  • Role rotation:
    • Change roles regularly (e.g., every X minutes or after completing a task)
    • Assign someone to manage the rotation
  • Team culture:
    • No blame, no shame

Fail cheap, fail fast, fail smart

Summary

  • Effective for collaborative learning and problem-solving
  • Enhance team cohesion and knowledge sharing
  • Enable real-time feedback and immediate corrections
  • This is not task division — everyone builds the same program together
  • Typical roles include:
    • Driver (writes code)
    • Navigator (guides and discusses approach, reviews code)
  • Communicate actively and support each other
  • Most importantly — enjoy the process!