Pair Programming: Tech
To get the best out of pairing, you want your technology to simultaneously support two people working on the same computer. Being able to switch Driver and Navigator roles easily is just as important as having good communication software.
Remote Pairing Software Concerns
Voice and video communications
With any social interaction, seeing and hearing the participants goes a long way. Engagement with someone you can see tends to be higher than with someone you can not.
Screen sharing with simultaneous input control
Again, being the driver on another person’s computer is vital in pair programming. Without it, the best we can hope for is Backseat-Navigator pairing sessions.
We are currently working via this remote pairing tool
Viewports
Similar enough, monitors that do not force massive changes on a particular participant’s computer. There is nothing like causing someone to change their machine before and after pairing sessions. Eventually, annoyance will set in.
Good internet connection
While it kind of goes without saying, let us say it anyway. Remote pair programming falls apart with a bad connection. While areas have hiccups, be mindful of highlighting if there is an ongoing issue here.
In Person Equipment Concerns
Simultaneous input control
Two keyboards and mice.