We are dabbling in pair programming to see if it's for us, and I was just curious how I should go about setting up a workstation for pairing.
jonathan cogley
[ Admin ]
Here are some of our best practices after trying lots of configurations:
Have a dedicated workstation - something fast and with two nice monitors (22" or 24" or bigger)
Have 2 keyboards and 2 mice (each person has their own - good for ping pong pairing and hygiene)
Only have project specific software loaded - no personal email unless common account, no IM unless common account - have a team standard for software and shortcut keys, colors, fonts, etc.
No personal surfing should be allowed either - keep it as a common workstation.
The monitors should be cloned to show the same single desktop on both monitors - each developer therefore has their own physical monitor.
Use a reasonably sized straight desk so the two people can sit next to each other or opposite each other on different sides.
Get good chairs.
Have ample whiteboards nearby for brainstorming.