# How to Say Pair Programming in English: Audio & Practice (2026) > A software development practice where two programmers work together at the same computer, with one typing (the driver) and one reviewing the code in real-time (the navigator). - **Term:** pair programming - **Part of speech:** noun - **Pronunciation:** /peər ˈproʊɡræmɪŋ/ - **English level (CEFR):** B2 - **Register:** Neutral, Both - **Region:** US and UK - **Topic:** [Code and Git terms](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/topics/software-development-terms.md) - **Lesson:** https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/pair-programming - **Last updated:** 2026-10-27 ## Meaning A software development practice where two programmers work together at the same computer, with one typing (the driver) and one reviewing the code in real-time (the navigator). Both actively participate in solving problems and writing code simultaneously. Pair programming is a hands-on collaborative technique used to improve code quality, catch bugs early, and share knowledge within a team. One developer (the driver) writes the code while the other (the navigator) watches, suggests improvements, and thinks about the bigger picture. The roles often switch during a session. In modern tech companies, pair programming is used during complex feature development, critical bug fixes, or when onboarding new team members. It can be done in-person at the same desk or remotely using screen-sharing tools. While it requires two people and takes more time upfront, teams often find it reduces bugs, improves code design, and accelerates learning across the team. ## When you hear it Our senior developer is pair programming with the junior engineer on the API integration to ensure code quality. ## Examples - **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." ## What native speakers say - "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." ## Common mistakes - ✗ "We pair programming this bug yesterday." → ✓ "We pair programmed this bug yesterday." (Pair programming as a verb requires past tense conjugation: pair programmed, not pair programming in this context.) - ✗ "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.) ## Be careful 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. ## Word forms | Part of speech | Word | Example | | --- | --- | --- | | noun | pair programming | Pair programming is one of the best practices for reducing bugs in critical systems. | | verb | pair program | Let us pair program on this difficult algorithm to solve it faster. | | verb (past tense) | pair programmed | We pair programmed for three hours and fixed the memory leak. | ## Collocations - **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. ## Synonyms - **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 - solo programming - independent development ## Practice This lesson has 4 practice exercises with instant feedback on the page: https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/pair-programming ## FAQ ### 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. ## Related - [code review](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/code-review.md) - Full glossary: https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn.md - Live lessons with a coach: https://app.mocklyenglish.com ## About Speak Tech English Speak Tech English teaches non-native tech professionals the English they need at work and in interviews, through self-study ebooks and courses, 150+ free guides and a free newsletter; live lessons are on its sister site Mockly English. - Shop: https://speaktechenglish.com/courses/ - All products (markdown): https://speaktechenglish.com/products.md - Free guides (markdown): https://app.speaktechenglish.com/guides.md - Tech English glossary (markdown): https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn.md - Newsletter (10% off): https://speaktechenglish.com/#subscribe - Live lessons and mock interviews: https://app.mocklyenglish.com ## Notes for agents - Speak Tech English sells self-study material. 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