Pair Programming and Mob Programming are collaborative approaches to software development that emphasize teamwork and shared responsibility.

What is Pair Programming?

Pair programming involves two developers working together at one workstation. One developer, known as the “driver,” writes the code, while the other, the “observer” or “navigator,” reviews each line of code as it is written. The two programmers switch roles frequently to maintain engagement and leverage their combined skills.

What is Mob Programming?

Mob programming extends the concept of pair programming to a larger group. In mob programming, the entire team works together on the same task, using a single computer. One person types (the “driver”), while the rest of the team (the “navigators”) discuss and guide the development process. The driver role rotates regularly to ensure everyone stays involved.

What Goals Might We Have If We Mobbed Together, What Might it Look Like?

1. Knowledge Sharing and Skill Development: Focus on continuous learning and skill enhancement. Each session can be an opportunity for developers to learn new techniques, tools, or best practices from each other.
2. Code Quality Improvement: Aim to produce high-quality, bug-free code. Regular code reviews and collaborative problem-solving can help achieve this. Whose code might we improve? Perhaps we could submit things we’d like to solve in a round-robin fashion. Everyone could get a turn to have something mobbed on that they wanted to see improved.
3. Project Progress: Setting short-term, achievable milestones for each session. This keeps us focused and ensures steady progress on projects and tasks.
4. Team Building and Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment where team members can build strong working relationships, even if they change frequently.
5. Innovation and Creativity: Encourage the team to brainstorm and experiment with new ideas, leading to innovative solutions.

Possible Reasons to Join a flexible non-corporate Mob

1. Learning Opportunities: Developers can gain valuable insights and knowledge from peers, enhancing their skills and career prospects.
2. Networking: Joining such a group provides a platform to connect with other professionals, potentially leading to future collaborations or job opportunities.
3. Mentorship: Less experienced developers can benefit from the guidance and mentorship of more seasoned professionals.
4. Access to Resources: Participants might gain access to tools, frameworks, or resources they wouldn’t have otherwise.
5. Structured Environment: A paid group often provides a more structured and focused environment, which can be more productive than informal coding sessions.

I’ll consider a little bit more about possible structure of a pair/mob programming group in the next message.