HACKER Q&A
📣 skuttleman

How do you transition to solo programming from pair programming


I have been working as a software engineer for over 5 years. My first few dev jobs involved 100% pair programming. At my current job pairing rarely happens. I've come to realize that my first few years as a developer (spent always pairing) has done very little to prepare me to be successful as a solo developer.

To put it simply: I'm highly incompetent as a solo developer, but people expect me to be somewhat senior because I've been at it for a while. My preference would be not to return to constant pair programming, but it seems like I'm fated to do so. Has anyone else encountered this? Are there any tricks or resources for learning to stand alone as a developer?

  👤 jimmyvalmer Accepted Answer ✓
My first few dev jobs involved 100% pair programming.

Seems like there should be an OSHA statute prohibiting that kind of inhumanity.

People expect me to be somewhat senior

After five years? I've had pairs of underwear twice that age.

Are there any tricks for learning to stand alone as a developer?

You just need to keep doing whatever you're doing. I presume it's not watching YouTube all day -- that's what I do and even I can claim to be a competent dev.

👤 dragonwriter
> Are there any tricks or resources for learning to stand alone as a developer?

There's lots of resources on learning to be a developer, but the IMO the “trick” is:

1. Code,

2. Review code critically (I don't specifically mean as part of code review of changes by others, though that can, be part of it) especially code of the system(s) you are or will be expected to contribute to,

3. Talk to other developers (especially with more experience, either in general or with the specific systems) about the code you write and review.

👤 gregjor
Pair programming happens either between peers with more or less equivalent skills to get more eyes on the code, or as a way for a senior developer to mentor a junior. After working five years you should be past the point of needing constant mentoring or overview of your work.

There's no trick. After five years you should be pulling your own weight when pairing, and you should be able to do the same work without a pairing partner.

👤 ffhhj
Do small side projects on interesting algorithms or technologies.