The best tools for pair programming while working remotely

A few months ago I introduced you to a working method called "pair-programming," which involves working together on the same machine.

If you're not familiar with pair-programming, I recommend you start by reading my article on the subject.

The problem is that with the current health crisis and the requirement to work remotely, this collaboration method has become impossible to implement in person.

And let's not even talk about "mob-programming," which involves bringing together an entire team around a specific task for the most critical features.

Fortunately, the software development industry isn't the first to want to collaborate closely while being physically apart, this is notably what online video game players have been doing for decades.

The two tools I'm going to present to you today both come from the "gaming" world, but their introduction into the professional world is becoming common, and they will notably allow us to recapture the feeling of pair-programming as if we were sitting side by side (or almost).

The Tools

To collaborate properly, you need to be able to:

• Exchange fluidly, whether vocally, but also exchange text, files, links, etc...
• Share a workspace in real-time, simply, as if you were sharing the same machine sitting on a desk.

Well, the two tools I'm going to present to you fulfill exactly these functions, let's talk about Discord and Parsec.

Discord

Text and voice chat tool

If you use a messaging tool like Slack in your work environment, know that Discord offers the same features, but also includes voice channels with very good sound quality and very low latency.

Each channel can be precisely configured, so you can create an open discussion space simply for your pair in which no one will be able to disturb your concentration.

The service's low latency truly allows for optimal voice exchanges for pain-free communication!

Link to download Discord

Parsec

Collaboration tool on a host machine

If you've used remote control tools like TeamViewer, you know that most solutions work for one-off remote access, but continuous work with such software is too tedious.

Parsec was designed so that players could play cooperatively or versus on a local game, so with image quality and latency good enough for the gaming experience to be enjoyable, and the bet paid off.

But this tool doesn't only work with video games, it of course works with all kinds of software because it's the screen as well as the controllers that are mirrored!

Additionally, a Parsec host can accommodate up to 20 clients who can connect simultaneously to the machine (so mob-programming is possible) and the setup is extremely simple.

Link to download Parsec

Conclusion

All you have to do now is create your Discord server and choose which one of you will be the host machine on Parsec and you'll be all set to collaborate like in the "good old days"!

Don't hesitate to share your impressions with me after your first remote pair-programming sessions in the comments or on social media!