We learned some fundamental
rules for the pair programming construct itself during the VCAPS project at Ford:
- Never pair two people together who are brand new to programming in pairs (always one old-timer with a newcomer).
- When a pair takes the option of working separately (but with joint responsibility), they aren't really pair
programming.
- If both people can't see what is happening on the monitor, they aren't really pair programming.
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- Everyone works in a pair (no lone rangers allowed)
- People have to trust each other, and it may take time to build trust among everyone on the team
I think most people who
have done pair programming unsuccessfully (and then successfully) have learned these sorts of rules of thumb.
 
Ford Motor Company
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