Good remote practices

Let's take a look at some good practices that apply to all the remote pair programming techniques and styles. You may find them basic, or you might feel surprised about some of them. I guess it depends on everyone's personal experience with pair programming, and with remote pair programming in particular.

Let's look at some recommended good remote practices that you should try using right away.

Remote breaks

Remote breaks are different than when you are pairing side by side with your partner, in front of the same monitor. When you are in the same room, you probably go out together, or go to the coffee machine, but you will still know when your partner is back. When you are remote, it's important to prepare some more. Here is how I prepare my remote breaks:

1. Before taking a break, agree on a specific break duration: Let's take 5 minutes.
2. When leaving your desk, explicitly say: I am leaving now, you can still see my...