Most software engineer technical interviews start the same way. The interviewer presents a coding problem and you write down an algorithm on the spot. The goal of this exercise is simple: to test how you approach a problem and if you could actually write code. But while the rationale behind the test is simple, acing it isn’t so.
This is where pair programming can help you. As the old saying goes, “Two heads are better than one.” And it’s been proven true countless times—especially in software engineering.
Unlike what many may believe, software engineers are not programmers who sit in the dark and work solo 24/7. To become a software engineer, you must have excellent communication and collaboration skills. And one way to cultivate these skills is through pair programming. It isn’t just a way to sharpen your coding skills; it can also boost your chances of performing well in your technical interview.
Read on as we explore pair programming, how it works, and how it can help you get hired. And here’s the kicker: we’ll even introduce you to a pair programming tool by Speak_ that you can use for free.
The new Speak_ pair programming tool helps aspiring software engineers get hired by honing their technical skills, boosting their confidence, and raising their chances to succeed in the hiring process.
Start pair programming today.What Is Pair Programming, and How Does It Work?
As the name implies, pair programming refers to the exercise of pairing up with a fellow developer to work on a single program. Both of you take turns in programming; one writes the code, and the other reviews it. For software engineers, pair programming is a chance to share their approach with a peer and learn how the other works.
Pair programming aims to solve a particular challenge by considering the different perspectives of two engineers. It simulates the environment of real-world tech companies where software engineers work in a team to discuss and solve a problem.
Through pair programming, tech companies can ensure the quality of code and reduce the possibility of error. Simultaneously, this exercise can help with knowledge distribution within an organization.
5 Benefits of Pair Programming for Software Engineers
Sharpens Your Coding Skills
Because you have another engineer looking over your shoulder, pair programming helps you not only look for a solution by yourself but discuss it with and learn from your fellow programmer. The more challenges you solve, the sharper your coding skills become.
Improve the Quality of Your Code
Working on a single program with a colleague allows for two-way code review, challenging each of you to become more thorough with your coding process and, in turn, produce higher-quality code.
Enhance Your Problem-Solving Skills
Problem-solving makes up a bulk of software engineers’ duties, which is why sharpening your skills in building solutions is vital. Pair-programming is a good approach since it lets you see how others may approach a problem differently, from fixing bugs to finding a solution.
Prepare for a Technical Interview
Pair programming interviews are becoming the more preferred method by hiring managers. For one, a whiteboard interview fails to mimic the actual working environment. So while one might do well in a one-on-one test, there’s no guarantee that they will be able to cope with the actual demands of the job.
As more employers realize this, they’re starting to embrace a pairing interview approach to ensure they only hire job-ready candidates. Practicing working with another engineer beforehand can therefore increase your chances of acing this type of technical interview.
Boost Your Confidence
Since pair programming can help make you a better coder, it also boosts your confidence in what you can bring to the table. This breaks the fear barrier of programming in front of someone else before the actual tech interview. With more confidence, you can land your dream tech job easier and negotiate a better job offer.
So, how do you begin to reap all the benefits of pair programming? You can start with the interview prep service, Speak_.
Introducing Speak_’s Remote Pair Programming Tool
Speak_’s newest pair programming tool is designed to make your preparation for a tech interview easy and accessible. It matches you with another software engineer looking to practice coding.
All pair sessions take place online in real-time. When pairing you up with a partner, Speak_ considers your time zone, availability, and level of experience.
Speak_ provides a list of session prompts to pick from, instructions on how to proceed, and checks in with everyone to see how the meeting went. And the best thing about Speak_’s pair programming tool? It is entirely free!
Get Paired Up with Speak_’s Pair Programming Tool
Pair programming is becoming a more preferred interview method by hiring managers in the tech industry. It allows them to better gauge your technical skills, the quality of your code, and gain insights into how you approach a coding problem.
Pairing sessions with Speak_’s pair programming tool are straightforward, accessible, and completely free. Learn more about Speak_’s pair programming tool or sign up to start using it here.
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