What is Pair Programming?
Pair programming is technically defined as two people writing code together on one machine. Remote work is now the new normal. We may not have the luxury to sit side by side, but we can maximize screen sharing and switching between driver and navigator roles.
The drive is the one using the mouse and keyboard to write out the code. The navigator is searching Google and other resources to help explain what needs to go on the page. They can help spot typos or provide the syntax to achieve the common goal. The driver and navigator both bring prior knowledge and experience to build a code
A Time when I Felt Behind
Let’s rewind the clock to earlier this week. Halfway through a lecture our instructor created random breakout rooms for students to work through a problem together. I jump into a Zoom room with two perfect strangers. The strongest coder in the room confidently shared they already solved the problem while the teacher was still talking.
Meanwhile, I’m on mute but my mind is full of questions and confusion. I felt lost during lecture and feel even worse because I have no idea where to start solving this problem.
We were tasked to work together and yet the silence remained. I took a screenshot of their solution (which is untouched on my desktop beside twenty other screenshots). Today I can only remember the smallness I felt in that moment.
Can you relate?
Ask for Help
The advice I was given is to ask for help. Be honest with where I’m at and ask if the others can show me how they came to the solution.
Ask for the help you need. Talking through the code out loud is helpful. It is even more helpful to write it out yourself.
Pro Tip: When coding, volunteer to be the driver as much as possible to get hands on practice.
“Hey I’m feeling lost and am unsure of how to work towards the solution. Do you mind if I share my screen and drive as you help me navigate?”
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
African Proverb
