Mob Programming

A collaborative approach where the entire team works on the same task, at the same time, in the same space, using a single computer. It enhances team communication and problem-solving.

Origins

Developed by Woody Zuill and his team at Hunter Industries as a way to improve collaboration and code quality.

Inspired by pair programming, extending the concept to the entire team.

Adopted by Agile teams to enhance team dynamics and collective ownership of code.

Implementation Details

How Mob Programming Works

The entire team works together on the same task, using a single computer. One person types (the driver) while the others (navigators) provide input and direction. Roles rotate frequently to keep everyone engaged.

Best Practices

Use a large screen visible to all team members.
Rotate roles every 15-30 minutes to maintain engagement.
Encourage open communication and respect all ideas.
Take regular breaks to maintain focus and energy.
Document decisions and insights for future reference.

Implementation Steps

1

Set up a shared workspace with a large screen
2

Define initial roles and task scope
3

Establish role-switching intervals (e.g., 15-30 minutes)
4

Encourage active participation and idea sharing
5

Rotate roles to ensure equal contribution
6

Review sessions to refine processes

Available Tools

Miro Zoom VS Code Live Share

Usage

Usage data is only available to HyperFormation members

Benefits & Considerations

Benefits

enhanced team communication
improved code quality
faster problem-solving

Considerations

requires a dedicated space
can be mentally demanding
needs strong facilitation