Abstract

Pair programming is a style of programming in which two programmers work side by side at one computer, continuously collaborating on the same design, algorithm, code, or test. In industry, the practice of pair programming has been shown to improve product quality, improve team spirit, aid in knowledge management, and reduce product risk. In education, pair programming also improves student morale, helps students to be more successful, and improves student retention in an information technology major. This entry provides an overview and history of pair programming followed by a summary of the use of pair programming in industry and academia. The entry also provides insight into the principles that make pair programming successful, the economics of pair programming, and the challenges in the adoption of pair programming.