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Random Question: is it weird I don't like pair programming? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago by threedragons_19@lemmy.world to c/programming@programming.dev

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I've been working in programming for a few years and I think I really dislike Pair Programming; I understand how it is but I often find it mind-numbingly dull. I have a feeling I'm doing it wrong but I feel like as a part of a dev team tasks should be broken into discrete enough chunks that a single person can just blitz through the work... Maybe it's just me, what are y'all thoughts on the matter?

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[–] wccrawford@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 year ago (3 children)

I hate it. I really enjoy programming, and don't enjoy social niceties. And I definitely don't enjoy someone looking over my shoulder all the time.

So that leads to 2 situations: I'm programming, but someone is looking over my shoulder and stopping me constantly (or doing nothing), or I'm watching someone else program and constantly frustrated that it's not me.

Even during an emergency I'm often better off just doing my thing solo, and the other person using their own methods to investigate and fix the problem. Chat is still available to share information and progress without it being a constant annoyance.

The only thing I think it's really good for is learning to program, and unless the people are the same level, it's probably only good for 1 of them.

[–] moshen@programming.dev 5 points 1 year ago

While I agree that pair programming doesn't fit everyone and all situations. Especially as a developer gets more experience, or for things that could be considered "scut work". What you're describing here really doesn't sound like effective pair programming.

One person shouldn't be just "watching" the other program. Especially for extended periods of time. There should be some regular interactivity or collaboration. I have found things like the "driver / navigator pattern" helpful.

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