Note: This article was slightly delayed due to the Swedish summer holidays – thank you for your patience! Now let’s dive in.
Pair programming is one of the most talked-about – and misunderstood – practices in software development. For some teams, it’s a powerful way to collaborate, catch bugs early, and build better systems together. For others, it feels like an expensive use of time, draining focus without clear benefits.
So, when does pair programming actually work? And when is it better to code solo?
Let’s unpack the value, the pitfalls, and the best contexts for making pairing a productive and energizing part of your workflow.
What is pair programming? đź‘Ż
Pair programming is the practice of two developers working together at one computer (physically or remotely) to write code. Traditionally, it’s structured into two roles:
- The driver writes the code and focuses on the immediate task.
- The navigator reviews the work, thinks ahead, and suggests improvements.
While this is the classic format, pairing can be flexible. It might include co-designing architecture, debugging together, or exploring unfamiliar codebases as a team.
When pair programming works well âś…
1. Onboarding new developers
Pairing is one of the fastest ways to help new team members ramp up. Instead of reading documentation and poking around a repo alone, they get real-time mentorship, context, and guidance.
Bonus: it surfaces gaps in your docs and workflows. If your new hire has 10 questions in 30 minutes, your onboarding docs might need a tune-up.
2. Tackling complex or risky code
When working on infrastructure changes, critical systems, or hairy legacy code, two heads are better than one. Pairing helps:
- Spot edge cases early
- Ask “what if?” questions before they become bugs
- Avoid risky shortcuts
It’s especially useful when a task involves deep understanding or multiple moving parts.
3. Knowledge sharing & team resilience
Pairing is one of the most organic ways to spread knowledge across your team. It prevents siloed expertise and builds shared ownership of the codebase. You learn how others think, which tools they use, and how they debug.
This creates stronger teams – and smoother PTO coverage.
4. Unblocking & staying focused
Ever get stuck staring at a problem for an hour, only to have someone say, “Have you tried restarting it?” Pairing often breaks that mental loop faster.
Plus, it can reduce distraction: you’re less likely to check Slack when you’re actively coding with someone.
When pair programming doesn’t work well ❌
1. Mismatched energy or experience
If one developer is much more senior or dominating the session, the other can feel lost or silenced. Likewise, if one person is tired or distracted, it can throw off the rhythm. Pairing should be collaborative, not performative.
Solution: set expectations, take breaks, and rotate roles regularly.
2. Repetitive or well-scoped tasks
Writing dozens of tests, converting files, or applying boilerplate code? Those can be done faster solo – pairing might just double the cost. Save it for when thinking is more important than typing.
3. Constant pairing can cause burnout
While some teams love full-time pairing (like in Extreme Programming), many developers find it mentally taxing. It requires focus, communication, and shared attention – which can be draining for long stretches.
Solution: mix it up. Alternate pairing days with focus days. Give people space to think, experiment, and reflect.
4. Remote friction
Remote pairing is entirely doable – and often fantastic – but it takes the right tooling. Bad audio, laggy screenshares, or “can you hear me now?” moments can kill the vibe.
Use tools like Tuple, Visual Studio Live Share, or even just a good Zoom setup with code side-by-side.
Tips to make pairing better 🛠️
- Set a goal before you start: “Let’s explore this bug” or “Let’s get this PR merged”
- Be kind, patient, and curious – pairing is not a test
- Don’t hog the keyboard (or the ideas)
- If you’re stuck, say so – it’s better to pause than to bluff
- End with a short retro: “What worked? What could’ve gone smoother?”
Conclusion
Pair programming is not a silver bullet – but when used intentionally, it’s a powerful tool. It accelerates onboarding, builds trust, reduces defects, and spreads knowledge organically.
Like any tool, it’s about balance.
Know when to pair – and when to give each other space. The best teams treat pairing as one option in a thoughtful toolbox, not a dogma.
