RahulRachhoya Pair Programming
Roles
- Driver: writes the code. Focused on the tactical: syntax, API calls, current line
- Navigator: thinks ahead. Focused on the strategic: design, edge cases, test coverage, what comes next
- Switch roles every 15-30 minutes (use a timer)
Communication
- Navigator speaks first: "next we need to handle the error case"
- Driver confirms: "ok, I'll add a try-catch"
- Both ask questions: "why this approach?" "what about X?"
- No silent coding — narrate your thinking
Benefits
- Fewer bugs (real-time code review)
- Knowledge sharing across the team
- Better design decisions (two perspectives)
- Fewer distractions (accountability)
- Faster onboarding for new team members
Rules
- Both are equally responsible for the code
- Navigator is not a backseat driver — give high-level guidance, not keystroke-level commands
- Take breaks — pairing is mentally intense (Pomodoro: 25min on, 5min off)
- Switch pairs regularly to spread knowledge
- Not every task needs pairing — use it for complex or critical work