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Ask HN: How do you transition to solo programming from pair programming

2 points by skuttleman 5y ago

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 5y ago
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.
gregjor 5y ago
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.
- skuttleman 5y ago
  > 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 So, if I can't do the same work without a pair that I can do with a pair ... then you think I should go back to pairing (or find a new career)?
  - gregjor 5y ago
    I can’t give specific advice based on what you wrote, not knowing you or your abilities. I can’t imagine not knowing how to code without a partner. Your post and comment communicate lack of confidence in yourself, so you may need a mentor or a manager who can break tasks down for you and supervise and review your work.
dragonwriter 5y ago
> 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.
ffhhj 5y ago
Do small side projects on interesting algorithms or technologies.

2 points by skuttleman 5y ago

jimmyvalmer 5y ago

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.

gregjor 5y ago

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.

skuttleman 5y ago
> 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 So, if I can't do the same work without a pair that I can do with a pair ... then you think I should go back to pairing (or find a new career)?
- gregjor 5y ago
  I can’t give specific advice based on what you wrote, not knowing you or your abilities. I can’t imagine not knowing how to code without a partner. Your post and comment communicate lack of confidence in yourself, so you may need a mentor or a manager who can break tasks down for you and supervise and review your work.

dragonwriter 5y ago

> 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.

ffhhj 5y ago

Do small side projects on interesting algorithms or technologies.