Article
What is pair programming?
Pair programming is a collaborative software development practice in which two developers work together on the same task: one serves as the "driver," writing code, while the other acts as the "navigator," reviewing logic, identifying issues, and thinking strategically before they regularly switch roles. Originally popularized through Agile and Extreme Programming, the approach has evolved to support remote teams and AI-assisted development. IBM highlights that pair programming improves code quality, reduces defects, accelerates knowledge sharing, and helps onboard new developers, while fostering stronger collaboration and more maintainable software. As AI coding assistants become more capable, organizations are increasingly adopting AI pair programming, where developers collaborate with in
