Cross-Pollinate

Series: growth March 19, 2013

I learned an RSpec naming convention while pairing with a developer at Global Day of Code Retreat.

I learned about using bundle open to explore Ruby gems while pairing with a friend at a sandwich shop.

I learned about debugging with pry while pairing with a guy at an Indy.rb Hack Night.

And I’ve shared each of these bits of knowledge with co-workers in code reviews and pairing sessions.

These nuggets of information are all available in other sources — books, blog posts, mailing lists — but they are unknown-unknowns. I didn’t even realize there was a better way that I should be seeking out.

But when pairing, I can see you use a cool trick. You teach me how to do it. I teach it to a co-worker. She teaches it to her team. Everyone improves and grows.

Pair programming cross-pollinates knowledge.

If you can’t think of the last time you picked up a new trick, seek out someone new and pair for an hour. I’d love for you to share what you learn with me someday.

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Psst, if you're in the Indianapolis area, come pair with me any Monday night.

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