
Two programmers working side-by-side, collaborating on the same design, algorithm, code or test. One programmer, the driver, has control of the keyboard/mouse and actively implements the program. The other programmer, the observer, continuously observes the work of the driver to identify tactical (syntactic, spelling, etc.) defects and also thinks strategically about the direction of the work. On demand, the two programmers can brainstorm any challenging problem. Because the two programmers periodically switch roles, they work together as equals to develop software.
It has been observed that if two developers with different skills pair together, they will learn a lot from each other in a very short time, no matter it is about programming language, libraries, programming skills or knowledge about existing systems. For a real world example, see SDI.
CPTTM will hold a (free & casual) panel discussion on this topic:
|
Topic |
Would you adopt pair programming to train your programmers? |
|
Targeted audience |
Managers/supervisors of software development teams. |
|
Host |
Brian Iu |
|
Invited panelists |
Arnie Chan, William Ku, Kent Tong. |
|
Duration |
120 minutes. |
|
Date & time |
Sept. 25 (Sat.), 2004. 2:30pm-4:30pm with a 10 minutes break. |
|
Venue |
CPTTM Head Office |
|
Size |
30 |
The rundown is:
Introduction to pair programming by the Brian (or Kent). 5 minutes.
Each CPTTM's SDI (software developer incubation) novice developer explains what he has learned in the incubation. Some parts of the SDI web site is displayed at the same time. 10 minutes.
Attendees are separated in groups of 3-5 to discuss. A helper from CPTTM will join each group to ensure the attendees express their views in turn. 5 minutes.
One representative from each group represents the views (maybe more than one) of their group. 10 minutes.
The host invites the suitable panelists to share their views. 5 minutes.
The host picks or raises a follow up question for further discussions and returns to step 3. In the next round, a new representative must be appointed by each group.
Photos:
Introduction to pair programming
by Mr. Brian Iu
|
Introduction
of SDI by Mr. Kent Tong
|
Attendees are separated in
groups for discussion
|
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact CyberLab 88980601.