What is the main purpose of pair programming?

The main purpose of pair programming is to promote common ownership of code and knowledge sharing. In this practice, two developers work together at one workstation, with one person writing code (the driver) and the other reviewing each line of code as it is written (the observer or navigator). This collaboration fosters an environment where both individuals contribute to the codebase, allowing them to share their unique insights and ideas. As a result, knowledge about the code, the design, and architectural decisions becomes more distributed among team members, reducing the risk associated with having only one person knowledgeable about a particular area of the code. This approach enhances team cohesion and ultimately leads to higher quality software, as multiple perspectives contribute to problem-solving and creative solutions.

The focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing highlights how pair programming can improve team dynamics and lead to a more versatile team with shared expertise. This collective ownership is essential in Agile methodologies, where teams often prioritize collaboration and continuous improvement.