Pair Programming for Homework Assignments
On This Page
- Overview
- Rules of Pair Programming
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do my partner and I each need to turn in the assignment?
- If my partner didn't help at all, should I still put his or her name on the assignment?
- If I start working on an assignment with a partner, and then change my mind, what can I do?
- If I start working on an assignment by myself, and then change my mind and want to work with a partner, what can I do?
- Further Reading on Pair Programming
Overview
Rather than working alone on a homework assignment, you may work with one other person provided that you follow the instructions on this page.
In pair programming, you and your partner work collaboratively at one computer. One person is the "driver" and types the work into the computer. The other person is called the "navigator" and actively checks the work entered by the driver. Each partner spends about one-half of the time for each assignment as the driver and the other half as the reviewer. Together, you and your partner should discuss and implement the design, produce the code and run the tests on the code.
Rules of Pair Programming
- You must work with one other student of this class, no more and no less, for an assignment.
- More than 75% of the time spent on an assignment must be spent with your pair-programming partner in person
- When working together, you can use at most one computer at a time to edit and compile code.
- Periodically, change who uses the keyboard and mouse so that each student has a chance to drive.
Do my partner and I each need to turn in the assignment?
Yes, you must both turn in assignments to BlackBoard for record keeping purposes. However, you will both receive the same evaluation and grade.
If my partner didn't help with most of the assignment, should I still put his or her name on the assignment?
No. If you completed the assignment on your own, then you should turn in your assignment with just your name on it. If you started working with another person and then completed the assignment on your own, then state who you worked with and the reason why you did not finish the assignment together.
If I start working on an assignment with a partner, and then change my mind, what can I do?
Once you decide to pair program, you may not change your mind and complete the program alone. Instead, you must erase all your code and start over. If your assignment is similar to another student's, and the other student is not a declared pair-programming partner, then you will need to answer questions regarding academic integrity.
If I start working on an assignment by myself, and then change my mind and want to work with a partner, what can I do?
If you have worked individually and have completed more than 25% of the assignment, then you must complete the assignment on your own. Alternatively, you may scrap any solution that either of you generated and redo the assignment together.
Further Reading on Pair Programming
If you would like to learn more about pair programming, try these links:
Pair Programming: The "rules" from www.extremeprogramming.org.
All I Really Need to Know about Pair Programming I Learned in Kindergarten: Good suggestions on how to program in pairs..