I’ve been working in programming for a few years and I think I really dislike Pair Programming; I understand how it is but I often find it mind-numbingly dull. I have a feeling I’m doing it wrong but I feel like as a part of a dev team tasks should be broken into discrete enough chunks that a single person can just blitz through the work… Maybe it’s just me, what are y’all thoughts on the matter?
While I agree that pair programming doesn’t fit everyone and all situations. Especially as a developer gets more experience, or for things that could be considered “scut work”. What you’re describing here really doesn’t sound like effective pair programming.
One person shouldn’t be just “watching” the other program. Especially for extended periods of time. There should be some regular interactivity or collaboration. I have found things like the “driver / navigator pattern” helpful.