During the past few years, pair-programming is a programming technique that has received an increasing amount of attention in the teaching of computer programming skills. Pair programming can briefly be described as a programming situation in which two persons sit at one computer and execute the task together. Although much research has been done on the advantages and disadvantages of pair programming, the assessment of computer skills acquired in pairs still remains a problem. The perception exists that pair assessment is not a reliable indicator of students' computer programming abilities. The purpose of the study was to determine whether (1) the results of programming skills assessed in pairs correlate with those of programming skills assessed individually, and (2) to investigate students' perceptions of pair and individual assessment. To reach these objectives, a literature study was performed to investigate pair programming as programming technique and the assessment of programming skills acquired in pairs. The empirical study has revealed that a positive relation exists between programming skills assessed in pairs and programming skills assessed individually. Furthermore, it was found that in general students' perceptions concerning pair assessment have changed positively. Based on the results arising from the empirical study, guidelines were suggested for the facilitation and assessment of pair programming skills. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

During the past few years, pair-programming is a programming technique that has received an increasing amount of attention in the teaching of computer programming skills. Pair programming can briefly be described as a programming situation in which two persons sit at one computer and execute the task together. Although much research has been done on the advantages and disadvantages of pair programming, the assessment of computer skills acquired in pairs still remains a problem. The perception exists that pair assessment is not a reliable indicator of students' computer programming abilities. The purpose of the study was to determine whether (1) the results of programming skills assessed in pairs correlate with those of programming skills assessed individually, and (2) to investigate students' perceptions of pair and individual assessment. To reach these objectives, a literature study was performed to investigate pair programming as programming technique and the assessment of programming skills acquired in pairs. The empirical study has revealed that a positive relation exists between programming skills assessed in pairs and programming skills assessed individually. Furthermore, it was found that in general students' perceptions concerning pair assessment have changed positively. Based on the results arising from the empirical study, guidelines were suggested for the facilitation and assessment of pair programming skills. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Metacognition in collaborative learning settings is an emerging topic in research on metacognition. This study focused on the development of metacognitive skills during pair programming in order to enhance knowledge productivity. Pair programming entails collaboration between two programmers, each fulfilling a specific role during the execution of the programming task, and has recently been used in educational contexts as a teaching and learning strategy to improve learning in computer programming (DeClue, 2003:49; Preston, 2006b:16). In this study the outcomes of collaborative learning during pair programming are referred to as knowledge productivity, which is measured against the criteria of enhanced knowledge construction, enhanced problem-solving skills, conceptual changes in individual perspectives, commitment to work with the other member of the pair, and application of the results of the learning process (Tillema & Van der Westhuizen, 2006:51,55). To investigate the influence of a metacognitive teaching and learning approach to pair programming on knowledge productivity, a repeated-measures experiment with a control group was conducted among a number of Grade 11 learners who had been implementing pair programming in the learning of Information Technology at secondary school level. At the beginning of the study both groups completed two questionnaires, one on metacognition and the other on knowledge productivity. At the same stage, a number of randomly selected participants from each group were interviewed on the same two topics, using a semi-structured interview approach. This procedure was repeated three months later, without any intervention. During the intervention phase, the experimental group implemented a set of self-directed metacognitive questions that they had to answer while doing a pair programming task. These self-directed metacognitive questions form part of a metacognitive teaching and learning strategy suggested by the researcher. The members of the experimental group also kept a journal to describe how the self-directed questions directed their thinking during the execution of the pair programming task. At the end of the experimental period, the mo questionnaires on metacognition and knowledge productivity were completed by both groups again, supported by the interviews of the same selected participants. The results derived from the empirical study showed that the knowledge productivity of learners programming in pairs can be enhanced by implementing a metacognitive teaching and learning strategy. The metacognitive teaching and learning strategy implemented during this study was then adapted to make it suitable for use by teachers and learners during pair programming. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Education)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Metacognition in collaborative learning settings is an emerging topic in research on metacognition. This study focused on the development of metacognitive skills during pair programming in order to enhance knowledge productivity. Pair programming entails collaboration between two programmers, each fulfilling a specific role during the execution of the programming task, and has recently been used in educational contexts as a teaching and learning strategy to improve learning in computer programming (DeClue, 2003:49; Preston, 2006b:16). In this study the outcomes of collaborative learning during pair programming are referred to as knowledge productivity, which is measured against the criteria of enhanced knowledge construction, enhanced problem-solving skills, conceptual changes in individual perspectives, commitment to work with the other member of the pair, and application of the results of the learning process (Tillema & Van der Westhuizen, 2006:51,55). To investigate the influence of a metacognitive teaching and learning approach to pair programming on knowledge productivity, a repeated-measures experiment with a control group was conducted among a number of Grade 11 learners who had been implementing pair programming in the learning of Information Technology at secondary school level. At the beginning of the study both groups completed two questionnaires, one on metacognition and the other on knowledge productivity. At the same stage, a number of randomly selected participants from each group were interviewed on the same two topics, using a semi-structured interview approach. This procedure was repeated three months later, without any intervention. During the intervention phase, the experimental group implemented a set of self-directed metacognitive questions that they had to answer while doing a pair programming task. These self-directed metacognitive questions form part of a metacognitive teaching and learning strategy suggested by the researcher. The members of the experimental group also kept a journal to describe how the self-directed questions directed their thinking during the execution of the pair programming task. At the end of the experimental period, the mo questionnaires on metacognition and knowledge productivity were completed by both groups again, supported by the interviews of the same selected participants. The results derived from the empirical study showed that the knowledge productivity of learners programming in pairs can be enhanced by implementing a metacognitive teaching and learning strategy. The metacognitive teaching and learning strategy implemented during this study was then adapted to make it suitable for use by teachers and learners during pair programming. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Education)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

This thesis focuses on the development of a distributed pair programming tool that enables two programmers to generate code together in JBuilder editor over the web. First, software development processes are generally reviewed and Extreme Programming, Distributed Extreme Programming, and Distributed Pair Programming issues are examined. The tools that enable Distributed Pair Programming are compared. This thesis also specifies the functional requirements of the newly presented tool and includes information about its design and implementation processes. Finally, an evaluation is given by indicating the positive and negative sides of the tool.

I have in this case study evaluated advantages and disadvantages with mob programming, at a IT-company called CGM (CompuGroup Medical LAB AB), in Borlänge, Sweden. Mob programming is new way to work with computer code creation or system maintenance. A group of developers works together to solve problems, like computer bugs. Only one person sits at the keyboard at one time. Like an evolution of pair programming. I have interviewed a selected number of staffs at CGM. What are the pros and cons with mob programming for information systems engineers? I have also conducted a test, with university students that study information systems science at Dalarna University. The students tested to solve a problem with mob programming, and then evaluated the test in a questionnaire. / Jag har i denna fallstudie utvärderat för- och nackdelar med mobprogrammering, vid företaget CGM (CompuGroup Medical LAB AB), Borlänge, Sverige. Mobprogrammering är ett nytt sätt att arbeta med systemutveckling där flera personer arbetar tillsammans i en för att lösa problem, som ex. buggar i datorprogram. Endast en person sitter vid tangentbordet åt gången. Det är en vidareutveckling av parprogrammering. I studien så jag intervjuat personal vid CGM. Vilka för- och nackdelar finns det med mobprogrammering för systemutvecklare? Jag har fått fram flertal fördelar samt nackdelar med mobprogrammering. Jag har även för att få fler synvinklar genomfört ett test med systemvetenskapsstudenter vid Högskolan Dalarna. Studenterna har testat mobprogrammering för att lösa ett problem och analyserade sedan testet med frågeformulär.

Pair programming is a programming technique in which two programmers sit literally side by side working on the same task at the same computer. One member of a pair called “driver” is in charge of writing the code. The other member plays a role of “navigator”, working on the more strategic tasks, such as looking for tactical error, thinking about overall structure, and finding better alternatives. Pair programming is claimed to improve product quality, reduce defects, and shorten time to market. On the other hand, it has been criticized on cost efficiency. To increase a body of evidence regarding the real benefits of pair programming, this thesis investigates its effect on software defects and efficiency of defect correction. The analysis bases on 14-month data of project artifacts and developers' activities collected from a large Italian manufacturing company. The team of 16 developers adopts a customized version of extreme programming and practices pair programming on a daily basis. We investigate sources of defects and defect correction activities of approximately 8% of defects discovered during that time, and enhancement activities of approximately 9% of new requirements. Then we analyze whether there exists an effect of pair programming on defect rate, duration and effort of defect correction, and precision of localizing defects. The result shows that pair programming reduces the introduction of new defects when the code needs to be modified for defect corrections and enhancements.

Extreme programming is an agile software development process, which has gained a lot of publicity the last couple of years. It has also brought Pair Programming into new light. Research and experiments have shown that the usage of Pair Programming can increase the quality in software development. People who used Pair Programming are usually satisfied using it and they are also more confident in their solutions. Having a pair colleague is not redundancy, people bring the best out of each other and they produce better solutions. Wages for employees are today heavy costs for companies but quality and time aspects in software development become more and more important. A quantitative survey has been conducted among professionals and students, both with and without Pair Programming experience. People surveyed have very low resistance from the start when using Pair Programming. They actually find benefits from it compared to being singles, but they think it should not be used on every task and at every time. This report investigates if Pair Programming is a technique to increase quality and productivity within software development. We also address business related aspects compared to the usage of Pair Programming as well as management aspects to see if we can find other synergy effects from the use of Pair Programming. / Denna rapport undersöker om Parprogrammering är en teknik för att höja kvalitén och produktiviteten inom mjukvaruutvecklingen. Vi belyser även relaterade areor och jämför dessa med Parprogrammering för att se om vi kan finna synergieffekter från användandet av Parprogrammering. Vi har gjort en undersökning både bland professionella och studenter, både med och utan Parprogrammeringserfarenhet. De som svarat har väldigt lågt motstånd till att använda Parprogrammering. De anser att det finns fördelar med att använda Parprogrammering jämfört med att arbeta själv, men de anser att tekniken inte kan användas hela tiden på alla delmoment. / Nöjesv 6 294 77 Sölvesborg 0708-422240

Programming practices are used to improve various attributes of the coding process. Pair and Mob Programming are two practices that involve multiple developers collaboratively working on the same tasks and share multiple advantages and disadvantages. The aim of this project is to identify common advantages and disadvantages of the two practices as well as some attributes that differentiate the two and help in the process of deciding which programming practice should be used for a task. The first method used to answer the research questions was a literature review that should find and list the pros and cons of Mob and Pair Programming. A second method used were interviews with industry practitioners, whose perspectives and experiences will validate the previous results, add new attributes to the practices and identify differences and factors that encourage the use of one or the other practice. The findings of the project consist of positive and negative aspects of using any of the two programming practices and a set of attributes that should be considered when deciding whether to adopt Mob or Pair Programming for the task at hand.

Bakgrund Parprogrammering och mobbprogrammering är samarbetsinriktade programutvecklingstekniker där utvecklare arbetar tillsammans för att lösa problem. Fördelarna inkluderar förbättrad kodförståelse, minskad defektfrekvens och kunskapsöverföring. Mobbprogrammering involverar en hel grupp av programmerare som samarbetar med samma kod. Båda metoderna leder till ökad produktivitet och kunskapsbreddning bland utvecklarna. Dessa metoder undersöktes i samarbete med Trafikverket för att förbättra förståelsen av deras effektivitet inom olika utvecklingskontexter. Syfte Vilka styrkor och svagheter upplever utvecklare med par-, mobb- och soloprogrammering inom nyutveckling och förvaltning? Metod Datainsamlingen bestod av semistrukturerade intervjuer och en enkät. Urvalet för intervjuerna gjordes av vår handledare på Trafikverket, som valde personer med erfarenhet av parprogrammering. (Enkäten skickades ut till 205 utvecklare och vi fick 23 svar, vilket motsvarar ensvarsfrekvens på 11,2%.) Analys Resultatet visar att utvecklare hade störst preferens för att programmera ensam i nyutveckling (43%) samt i förvaltning (35%).Undersökningen visade även att (82%) ser kompetensspridning som en anledning att använda sig av par- eller mobbprogrammering. Slutsatser Styrkorna med soloprogrammering är att det oftast går snabbare att utveckla, utvecklaren kan jobba mer självständigt och efter sina egna preferenser. Styrkorna med par- och mobbprogrammering är att kodkvaliteten ökar och förmågan att sprida kunskap. Oftast går det snabbare att lösa problem i par och mobb. Svagheterna med par- och mobbprogrammering är att det krävs fler resurser och det kan ta längre tid att göra framsteg. Följder Resultatet av denna undersökning kan vara till nytta för organisationer som använder eller överväger att använda par- eller mobbprogrammering som metod för utveckling, och bidra till att optimera deras utvecklingsprocesser. / Background Pair programming and mob programming are collaborative software development techniques where developers work together to solve development problems. The benefits include improved code understanding, reduced defectrates, and knowledge transfer. Mobprogramming involves an entire team of programmers collaborating on the same code. Both techniques lead to increased productivity and knowledge sharing among developers. These techniques were investigated in collaboration with Trafikverket to improveunderstanding of their effectiveness in different development contexts. Aim To find out what strengths and weaknesses developers experience with pair programming, mob programming and solo programming in the contexts of new development projects and maintenance. Method The data collection involved semi-structured interviews and a survey. The selection for the interviews was done by our supervisor at Trafikverket, who chose individuals with experience in pair programming. The survey was distributed to 205 developers, and we received 23 responses, resulting in a responserate of 11.2%. Analysis The result shows that developers had the greatest preference for programming alone in new development (43%) and in maintenance(35%). The survey also showed that (82%) see the spread of skills as a reason to use pair or mob programming. Conclusions The strengths of solo programming include faster development, the ability for developers to work independently and according to their own preferences. The strengths of pair and mob programming include improved code quality and knowledge sharing. Problem-solving is often faster in pair and mob programming. The weaknesses of pair and mob programming include the need for more resources and potentially longer time to make progress. Implications The results of this study can be beneficial for organizations that currently use or are considering adopting pair programming or mob programming as a development method. It can contribute to optimizing their development processes and improving their overall outcomes.