Pair Programming Standards and Requirements

pink neon sign that says Do it Together Never Alone Photo by Cory Billingsley on Unsplash

In labs, you will complete your C++ tutorial with a partner, and your project will be completed in your teams of four. Programming with a partner or in a group is a great tool to help learn how to program and solve problems.

Pair programming means working on an assignment together, sitting at the same computer. One person drives (types at the keyboard) while the other person sits next to the driver while observing, commenting, and making suggestions to the driver. This form of programming can speed up the programming process by having a helper immediately available. It also reduces the likelihood of syntax and design errors, as there are two pairs of eyes watching for mistakes. If the driver tries out a flawed solution, the partner is there to provide constructive criticism and helpful alternatives. Pair programming does not mean taking an assignment and partitioning into two pieces and then having each person complete a piece.

Group programming is very similar, except now one person drives while the others observe, comment, and make suggestions. Everyone present should get a change to drive, and the driver should change every 20 minutes.

During the project, maintain a log that records the date and time you work on your project, which team members were working on the project, and which team member was driving (typing). Every team member present should act as a driver, and the driver should change every 20 minutes. Example:

6/17, 9:30a - 11:00a Lacy, Kelly, Clare, and Emily, 1 hour
Driver Order and Time Length:
Lacy, 20 minutes
Clare, 20 minutes
Emily, 20 minutes
Kelly, 20 minutes
Lacy, 10 minutes

6/17, 7:30p - 8:30p, Lacy and Kelly, 1 hour
Driver Order and Time Length:
Kelly, 20 minutes
Lacy, 20 minutes
Kelly, 20 minutes

6/18, 9:00a - 11:00a, Lacy, Kelly, Clare, and Emily, 2 hours
Driver Order and Time Length:
Clare, 20 minutes
Emily, 20 minutes
Lacy, 20 minutes
Kelly, 20 minutes
Clare, 20 minutes
Emily, 20 minutes

6/18, 7:00p - 8:00p, Clare and Emily, 1 hour
Driver Order and Time Length:
Clare, 20 minutes
Emily, 20 minutes
Clare, 20 minutes

In your log, also record the problems and challenges you encountered on the assignment. What was particularly difficult? On which parts of the assignment did you need outside help?

Your log may be kept in a simple text file and turned in with the rest of your materials at the end of camp.