Pair or collaborative programming indicates two programmers develop software side by side at one computer. Using interviews and controlled experiments, the authors investigate the costs and benefits of pair programming. They find that for a development-time cost of about 15 percent, pair programming improves design quality, reduces defects, reduces staffing risk, enhances technical skills, improves team communications, and is considered more enjoyable at statistically significant levels.
Dr. Alistair Cockburn is one of the world authorities on software development, having helped to craft the Manifesto for Agile Software Development and the project management "Declaration of Interdependence." He created the Crystal family of ultralight methodologies to capture patterns of successful project teams. Many of his materials are available online at www.alistair.cockburn.us.
