Virtual Teaming: Experiments and Experiences with Distributed Pair Programming

Pair programming is a practice in which two programmers work together at one computer, collaborating on the same design, algorithm, code or test. Previous studies have shown that pair programmers produce higher quality code in essentially the same amount of time as solo programmers. Additional benefits include increased job satisfaction, improved team communication, and efficient tacit knowledge sharing. However, it may not always be possible for all team members to be collocated due to the rise in teleworking and geographically distributed teams. This paper analyzes the results of two distributed pair programming case studies done at UNC Chapel Hill and at NC State University. Participants used readily available off-the-shelf applications for collaborative software development. The results indicate that software development collaboratively “over the wire” is feasible, effective, and pleasant for the participants; distributed development is better done as synchronous pairs than as individuals who integrate; and distributed pairs maintain many of the advantages of collocated pairs.