Improving pair programming with styles

A pair programming style is a specific way to behave while pairing. It is an addition to the techniques that we discussed earlier. Remember that not all of these styles are compatible with all the techniques that we mentioned. Choosing the right style for the right context can boost any pair programming session.

Consider the following working styles: when working in a pair, your style could be to let your partner to work as they like or say only a few clear, direct comments. Alternatively, your style might be to guide everyone during every moment of the process. I have even heard people who choose the style of not interfering and taking every chance to explain something new to their partners at the right moment, mostly when the code is in a stable state.

So, a style is a mix of how involved you are, how much space you give to your partner, how much you step up, but also how you communicate. Let's explore each of these styles in more...