Two-Person Programming Is The First Method That Comes To Mind For The Advancement Of Coding In The Workplace. 

Although this method has many fans, we know programmers who do not like it. People who are not fans of two-player programming should be given their due.

Programming is generally taught one-on-one. As a result, coders feel they do not have the necessary control over two-person programming.

However, two-person programming has benefits that we will discuss further.

Experience has proven that coders consider the following problems as the reason for their reluctance to do two-person programming :

• They are told not to copy the signature of the method or class; instead, they rename it later because it helps them to remember the syntax.
•  Unintelligible writing that some programmers use. For example, a member of a two-person programming group asks a colleague to define a class called See-el-ae-ess-ess.
•  One member of the two-person programming team gets so distracted that he doesn’t know where he is at work.
•  Too much interaction between the members of the two-person programming group creates a disturbance between their work and life. Some programmers are introverts and don’t tolerate too much one-on-one collaboration.
•  Fear of judgment. We know programmers who find their errors more efficiently on their own and don’t want these errors to be pointed out by others.
•  Since in two-person programming, the work is not done alone, after the end of the work, the feeling of satisfaction that the programmer completed the work alone is not obtained.
•  Programmers feel less successful in a two-person group.

Two-person programming has countless benefits. However, it must be said, the problems we raised about two-person programming are not enough to make the benefits of this work worthless. If you’ve tried this before and didn’t get the desired result, we suggest you give two-person programming a second chance. Two-person programming has its way and method. More talk about this later.

The best method for two-person programming

•  Coders who code in pairs should be divided into two categories. One of them should play the role of the driver, and the other should take the part of the guide. The driver writes the codes. Pathfinder checks the code that is written.
•  The roles of these two programmers should transfer at a specific time that they have already discussed with each other.
•  The pathfinder should consider the strategic direction of work and act as a guide to adopt a better approach while working. In this way, the responsibility of coding and how to do it is placed in the hands of the driver, and the pathfinder examines the technical aspects of completing the task that is the responsibility of the two-person programming team. With such an approach, the pathfinder plays the role of guiding and protecting the project.

Behaviors that are expected from the members of the two-person programming group

•  Empathy, attention, and respect are the rules that must follow for all group work. These rules also apply to two-person programming.
•  We don’t know anyone who likes commands and prohibitions. As a result, the pathfinder should point out the problems in a friendly tone and resolve the differences of opinion, keeping the project’s success in mind.
•  Whenever you feel uncomfortable, share your concern by talking to your colleague in the two-person programming group.
•  State precisely what part of the code As you retell your thoughts.
•  Always compliment your colleague.

What problems does two-person programming solve?

•  Thanks to two-person programming, there is no need to devote time and energy to code reviews during the product review phase before release. There is no need to get a product review approval since the pathfinder has reviewed the written code. As a result, the written program is released faster.
•  The pressure of interacting with new tasks and problems is shared between two people. As a result, the psychological security of the members of the two-person programming group is maintained.
•  When there is a delay in the product release, the pressure of answering the questions is also divided among both group members. For this reason, the group members’ psychological safety will remain again.
•  In two-person programming, there is nothing wrong with doing an improper action in front of another group member. These conditions will help you overcome your fear of making mistakes in programming.
•  Since you spend more time with the other person in the group in two-person programming, your spirit of cooperation with others is strengthened.
•  Because two intelligent brains are active in dual programming at the same time, the possibility of delay in project delivery is reduced.
•  Two-person programming is an excellent opportunity to learn and exchange knowledge.

Why don’t coders have an excellent middle ground with two-person programming?

The roots of coders’ uneasy relationship with two-person programming can trace back to previous unpleasant experiences, habits, and people’s personalities. For this reason, novice and recent graduates are better off with two-person programming. These people without previous backgrounds start programming in pairs and cope with this process more efficiently. On the other hand, software engineers and veteran coders, who have spent most of their working hours’ programming alone, show less desire for two-person programming.

Methods that make coders more inclined to two-person programming

Two-person programming is an experience in that the more you engage in it, the easier you will cope. For this reason, participate in two-person programming groups as often as possible. However, if you have an introverted personality, we give you the right not to want to connect too much with others. In such a situation, whenever you feel that two-person programming bothers you, share your feelings with your colleague and take a little distance from the project.

Respect each other, and create healthy working conditions to increase your knowledge and experience while working. On the other hand, beware of unprofessional and inappropriate comments. Avoid unnecessary arguments and keep your colleague’s respect while talking and doing work. Some people find it difficult to comment. Put aside this ethics and point out your colleague’s objections with respect and friendship. Set up one-on-one meetings at regular intervals and discuss problems in a friendly environment.

By observing all the points we have mentioned, you may still not have a proper interaction with the person you have chosen to collaborate with in the two-person programming group. If, after working together several times, you realize that you do not get along with this person, stop working with them. Instead, look for cooperation in which you feel your working spirit is more compatible.

Before starting a software development project, be sure to take the time to consider the various aspects of doing so.

If you conclude in this review that the project you are considering will not end successfully, leave it aside. If, with the cooperation you have chosen for the two-person programming group, you have concluded that this project is worth your time and effort, establish a professional interaction for project development with your colleague and consider the points we have mentioned for two-person programming.