Pair programming is a collaborative software development technique where two programmers work together at a single workstation. One acts as the “driver,” writing the code in real-time, while the other serves as the “navigator,” reviewing the code, suggesting improvements, and keeping an eye on the overall design and strategy.
This approach, popularized in agile methodologies, enhances code quality by catching errors early, promotes knowledge sharing, and fosters better problem-solving through immediate feedback. It typically involves frequent role switches to maintain engagement and balance contributions.
Benefits include faster debugging, improved team dynamics, and reduced individual workload, making it ideal for complex tasks or when onboarding new team members. Common practices involve clear communication, pair rotation, and tools like shared screens or version control systems to streamline the process.
Table of contents
- Part 1: OnlineExamMaker – Generate and share pair programming quiz with AI automatically
- Part 2: 20 pair programming quiz questions & answers
- Part 3: AI Question Generator – Automatically create questions for your next assessment
Part 1: OnlineExamMaker – Generate and share pair programming quiz with AI automatically
The quickest way to assess the pair programming knowledge of candidates is using an AI assessment platform like OnlineExamMaker. With OnlineExamMaker AI Question Generator, you are able to input content—like text, documents, or topics—and then automatically generate questions in various formats (multiple-choice, true/false, short answer). Its AI Exam Grader can automatically grade the exam and generate insightful reports after your candidate submit the assessment.
What you will like:
● Create a question pool through the question bank and specify how many questions you want to be randomly selected among these questions.
● Allow the quiz taker to answer by uploading video or a Word document, adding an image, and recording an audio file.
● Display the feedback for correct or incorrect answers instantly after a question is answered.
● Create a lead generation form to collect an exam taker’s information, such as email, mobile phone, work title, company profile and so on.
Automatically generate questions using AI
Part 2: 20 pair programming quiz questions & answers
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1. Question: What is the primary role of the driver in pair programming?
A) Writing and typing the code
B) Reviewing the code after it’s written
C) Designing the overall system architecture
D) Testing the software independently
Answer: A
Explanation: The driver focuses on the immediate task of writing code, while the navigator provides oversight and strategic input.
2. Question: Which of the following is a key benefit of pair programming?
A) It reduces the need for code reviews
B) It improves code quality through real-time collaboration
C) It allows developers to work on multiple projects simultaneously
D) It eliminates the need for testing
Answer: B
Explanation: Pair programming enhances code quality by having two people catch errors and share ideas instantly.
3. Question: In pair programming, what does the navigator typically do?
A) Handle all keyboard input
B) Think about the big picture and spot potential issues
C) Write documentation separately
D) Manage the project’s timeline
Answer: B
Explanation: The navigator observes, suggests improvements, and ensures the code aligns with the overall goals.
4. Question: How often should pairs switch roles in pair programming?
A) Never, to maintain focus
B) At the end of the project only
C) Regularly, such as every 15-30 minutes
D) Only when one person is tired
Answer: C
Explanation: Switching roles frequently keeps both participants engaged and prevents fatigue.
5. Question: What is a common challenge in pair programming?
A) Overly fast development speed
B) Personality conflicts between partners
C) Excessive individual creativity
D) Lack of communication tools
Answer: B
Explanation: Differences in working styles or personalities can lead to conflicts, making it important to choose compatible pairs.
6. Question: Pair programming is most effective in which Agile methodology phase?
A) Planning
B) Coding and implementation
C) Deployment
D) Retrospective
Answer: B
Explanation: It shines during coding, where real-time collaboration can directly improve the development process.
7. Question: Which skill is NOT typically enhanced by pair programming?
A) Communication
B) Problem-solving
C) Individual coding speed
D) Knowledge sharing
Answer: C
Explanation: Pair programming may slow down individual coding speed due to collaboration, but it boosts other skills like communication.
8. Question: What tool is often used to facilitate pair programming in remote settings?
A) Physical whiteboards
B) Screen-sharing software like Zoom
C) Standalone compilers
D) Email for code exchange
Answer: B
Explanation: Screen-sharing allows remote pairs to see and interact with the same code in real time.
9. Question: In pair programming, why is it important to have a shared understanding?
A) To speed up individual tasks
B) To ensure both partners can take over if needed
C) To avoid using version control
D) To focus on personal goals
Answer: B
Explanation: A shared understanding allows seamless role switching and continuity in the work.
10. Question: What is the “ping-pong” pairing technique?
A) Alternating who starts the coding session
B) Writing tests and code alternately
C) Competing to finish tasks faster
D) Reviewing code after each line
Answer: B
Explanation: In ping-pong pairing, one person writes a test, the other writes code to pass it, then they switch.
11. Question: How does pair programming impact team productivity?
A) It always doubles output
B) It can improve quality but may initially slow progress
C) It eliminates the need for meetings
D) It reduces the team’s overall size
Answer: B
Explanation: While it enhances quality and learning, the collaborative nature can make it slower at first compared to solo work.
12. Question: Which pair programming approach involves rotating partners?
A) Fixed pairing
B) Promiscuous pairing
C) Driver-only pairing
D) Navigator-focused pairing
Answer: B
Explanation: Promiscuous pairing rotates partners frequently to spread knowledge across the team.
13. Question: What should pairs do if they disagree on a coding decision?
A) Let the driver decide unilaterally
B) Discuss and reach a consensus or escalate
C) Ignore the disagreement and continue
D) Switch to working individually
Answer: B
Explanation: Healthy discussion ensures the best decision, and escalating prevents poor choices.
14. Question: Pair programming is particularly useful for:
A) Routine maintenance tasks
B) Complex problem-solving
C) Documentation writing
D) Email correspondence
Answer: B
Explanation: It helps tackle complex issues by leveraging two minds for better creativity and error detection.
15. Question: What metric is often used to evaluate pair programming success?
A) Lines of code written per hour
B) Reduction in bug rates
C) Number of meetings held
D) Individual developer hours
Answer: B
Explanation: A key indicator is fewer bugs due to immediate peer review and collaboration.
16. Question: In pair programming, how can introverted developers benefit?
A) By avoiding all interaction
B) Through structured practice in communication
C) By working only as the driver
D) By focusing solely on code
Answer: B
Explanation: It provides a safe space to build communication skills while contributing to the team.
17. Question: What is a best practice for ending a pair programming session?
A) Stop abruptly when time is up
B) Review what was accomplished and plan next steps
C) Have one person continue alone
D) Delete the code and start fresh
Answer: B
Explanation: Ending with a review ensures knowledge transfer and sets up for future sessions.
18. Question: How does pair programming relate to code reviews?
A) It replaces them entirely
B) It integrates real-time reviews into the process
C) It makes them unnecessary
D) It delays them until the end
Answer: B
Explanation: Pair programming embeds code reviews directly into coding, reducing the need for separate sessions.
19. Question: Which factor is least important when selecting a pair programming partner?
A) Similar skill levels
B) Complementary skills
C) The partner’s favorite programming language
D) Availability and willingness
Answer: C
Explanation: While language preference might matter, it’s less critical than skills and compatibility for effective pairing.
20. Question: What long-term advantage does pair programming offer to a development team?
A) Uniform code style across the team
B) Faster individual promotions
C) Reduced need for training
D) Immediate project completion
Answer: A
Explanation: Consistent collaboration leads to a standardized code style, improving maintainability and team cohesion.
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Part 3: AI Question Generator – Automatically create questions for your next assessment
Automatically generate questions using AI