Matt and Ben compare different methods of collaboration, and how they work for different personalities. Ben is not a psychologist, but plays one on this podcast. Matt gets very close to explaining what makes for a good pull request, and then doesn't.

Ben Rady and Matt Godbolt

If you come to a fork in the road, take it! Two’s Complement is a programming podcast, hosted by Matt Godbolt and Ben Rady; two programmers who both grew up wanting to make video games. One of them did, one of them didn’t, but now they both work together despite coming from very different backgrounds.

The Future of Compiler Explorer

two's complement

Two's Complement

Pull Requests and Pair Programming, Part 1

@mindpear

Ping-pong is taking in turns in pair-programming: (writing code, then writing test), switch roles.

Choosing a commit message and self-reviewing at the same time.

Notice when the pair has been left behind in understanding. To recognize that is a skill.

To squash or not to squash before pull-request? Reverting is easier with squashed PRs.

The added benefits of pair-programming: learning various problem-solving skills.

With well-spaced breaks in-between, Ben can do 6 hours of pair programming sustainably for years.

Individual differences in exploring problems. Better talking through or focusing alone?

The intent of pair-programming is not sitting back and watching the other person programming for 6h.

Pair programming means code review all the time.

Episode Summary

Clips