A I AOI

Iteration 1 deadline has passed and the fruit of mine and my partner's labours is on the chopping block (also known as the subversion repository) for the TAs. Now for my second assignment I need to describe some of the challenges encountered when working in a pair environment and how we addressed them, as well as discuss what we’ll try to do different next time. One of the major challenges that I encountered when working with a partner was the issue of time constraints, and another challenge is work styles.

“Deadline" is quite a relative concept, and thus the challenge. Yes, the absolute deadline exists, but in reality we both have our own separate commitments. Thus, while we might have x number of days to work on the assignment actual availability depends on our individuals schedules as well. To address this conflict we tried to sync our available times, but maybe next iteration we should plan out our availability to work together when we have a better idea of how much time the project might take. If this is not done than too much work might be left until the last few days.

The second challenge that I encountered is the difference in work styles. I am quite comfortable at holding the monitor in an unblinking stare for hours on end. My partner on the other hand has a different approach, one where she works a few hours at a time taking breaks in between. This conflict I think is easier to address. Now that I know my partners preferences I’ll plan accordingly and try to finish the easier parts by myself and leave the complicated things that will need two heads to figure out to our group sessions.

Basically, working together is great as long as both partners clearly communicate the amount of time available and expected time commitments for each session. These types of conflicts will take some adjustment to solve as issues relating to time management and work styles extend beyond this class or this project. Moreover, adjusting one self to someone else is always difficult, but there are always upsides. Being flexible is just as important as being good at programming, as working alone I won’t be able to complete complicated large projects on time no matter how good I am.