eekim.com: EEK Speaks

Wed, Nov 02, 2005

The Thrill of Pair Programming #

I have a lot of different passions, which is lucky in a lot of ways, and unlucky in others. It's lucky because it makes life incredibly fun. It's unlucky, because life is finite, and I don't have time to delve as deeply into things as I would like. It's why I knew I would never become a professional programmer. (JZB)

This past year, I spent most of my time doing field work and thinking about social processes. When I switched into technical mode, it was as an architect or a pundit, not as a programmer. And that's the way it should be. It's the right mode for me professionally and personally. Besides, the less time in front of a computer, the better. (JZC)

However, that's changed these past few months, as I've had to wear my coding hat for a variety of reasons. And I have to admit, it still gets me going. My skills have degraded a lot over the years, more from disuse than age, but I can still get it done. It makes me feel like one of those clean-cut, Midwestern types who comes home from his nine-to-five job, then plays poker all night at some seedy underground club. It's liberating. (JZD)

In particular, I had fun PairProgramming with PeterKaminski a few weeks ago and with BrianIngerson last night. Both of those efforts were toy one-offs, but they were great fun nevertheless, and it got me thinking. Coding with others, and pairing in particular, is one of the most intense, enjoyable collaborative experiences one can have. Read EvanHenshawPlath's account of his recent RubyOnRails sprint with BlaineCook and KellanElliottMcCrea, and you'll see what I mean. It's the sort of thing I never get to do anymore. (JZE)

I know a lot of great coders, and I love talking shop. And, I still want to spend as little time as possible in front of a computer. But, I'm going to make a concerted effort to pair with folks at least once every few months. If you're in the BayArea and are in the mood to code up something that is small, cool, and will improve collaboration some way, somehow, let me know. (JZF)

/tech/programming | Posted at 5:21pm

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EEK Speaks

A blog about collaboration, community-building, and the various goings-on at Blue Oxen Associates, with occasional digressions on food and other vital matters.