Say it like this
- Let's pair programming on this feature.
- Can you pair programming with me on the database migration?
- We should do some pair programming to get this right.
Use it at work
Suggesting it
- Want to pair on this bug?
- Let's do some pair programming on the new service.
During the session
- You drive, and I'll navigate.
- Let's switch roles after 30 minutes.
Explaining
- Pair programming is great for onboarding.
- We pair on hard problems, not everything.
Don't say this
Pair programming as a verb requires past tense conjugation: pair programmed, not pair programming in this context.
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| pair programming | Two people code together live | Developers | Hard tasks, onboarding |
| code review | Checking code after it's written | Reviewers | Every PR |
| mob programming | Whole team codes together | Team | Big decisions |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. You want to invite a colleague to work together on complex code. Which is most natural?
2. We should _______ on the authentication logic before we deploy. (use: pair program or pair programming)
3. Which sentence uses pair programming incorrectly?
4. Rewrite this in natural tech English using pair programming: Two developers worked at the same computer to write the payment code together and check each other is work.
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"Let's pair programming on this feature."
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More about pair programming
Real examples(3)
- in a standup
"Sarah and I are pair programming on the authentication module today to make sure we implement OAuth correctly."
- in a code review
"This code looks solid, but given the complexity, we should have done pair programming on it first."
- in a team meeting
"We're dedicating tomorrow afternoon to pair programming the payment processor integration with the new team members."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Do not confuse with code review. Pair programming is real-time collaboration with two developers at one workstation; code review is asynchronous feedback after code is written.
- ✕I will pair programming with you on the frontend.✓I will pair program with you on the frontend.
When used as a verb with will, use the base form pair program, not pair programming.
- ✕Pair programming is just two people looking at code.✓Pair programming is active collaboration where two developers share one workstation with defined driver and navigator roles.
Pair programming is more structured than passive observation; both roles are actively engaged in problem-solving.
Other forms(3)
- pair programming noun
"Pair programming is one of the best practices for reducing bugs in critical systems."
- pair program verb
"Let us pair program on this difficult algorithm to solve it faster."
- pair programmed verb (past tense)
"We pair programmed for three hours and fixed the memory leak."
Often used with(4)
- do pair programming · Used to describe engaging in the practice: Do pair programming on critical features.
- pair programming session · A scheduled time block for pair programming: We have a two-hour pair programming session tomorrow.
- pair programming partner · The person you are pair programming with: My pair programming partner caught a security issue I missed.
- driver and navigator · The two roles in pair programming: In pair programming, the driver types while the navigator reviews.
Similar words(2)
- mob programming · Similar concept but with more than two programmers; pair programming is specifically two people.
- collaborative coding · Broader term that includes pair programming but also covers other forms of real-time code collaboration.
Opposites(2)
- solo programming
- independent development
Questions(5)
- What does pair programming mean in software engineering?
- Pair programming is a practice where two software developers work together at one workstation. One developer (the driver) writes the code while the other (the navigator) reviews it in real-time, suggests improvements, and thinks about overall strategy. The roles can switch during the session. It is commonly used in agile and extreme programming methodologies.
- How do you use pair programming in a sentence at work?
- You can use it as a noun or verb. As a noun: We are doing pair programming on the API today. As a verb: Let us pair program on this critical feature. Example in a meeting: I suggest we pair program the authentication system with our senior engineer.
- Is pair programming formal or informal?
- Pair programming is considered neutral in formality. It is a professional industry term used in both casual team conversations and formal documentation. You would say We pair programmed on that module in a standup meeting, in an email to management, or in technical documentation.
- What is the difference between pair programming and code review?
- Pair programming is real-time, synchronous collaboration where two developers work together at the same computer. Code review is asynchronous: one developer writes code, commits it, and another developer reviews it later. Pair programming catches issues immediately, while code review provides feedback after the code is written.
- What are the benefits of pair programming?
- Pair programming improves code quality, catches bugs early, spreads knowledge across the team, reduces the need for later code review, accelerates onboarding of new developers, and improves design decisions through real-time discussion.
