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What is Extreme Programming?

For me, the “core” of XP (Extreme Programming) is “Pair Programming”. This is where all code is created by two people working together at a single computer. Pair programming increases software quality without impacting time to deliver. It may seem counter intuitive, but two people working at a single computer will add as much functionality as two working separately except that it will be much higher in quality. With increased quality comes big savings for any size project.
The best way to pair program is to just sit side by side in front of the monitor. Slide the key board and mouse back and forth. One person types and thinks tactically about the method being created, while other thinks strategically about how that method fits into the class.

The other magic effect of Pair Programming is that student developers become productive almost instantly and there is a continuous and effective transfer of skills and knowledge from the most experienced programmers to the less able.

XP is not just about Pair Programming it is about the whole project development cycle. It is a “lightweight” methodology based upon practical experience of things that have gone right. I am sure that if you analyse your most successful projects you will find that you have been deliberately or inadvertently using the techniques of XP. After more than five years, there is now a wealth of experience in applying these techniques in a wide range of development environments. Find out more - it could change your life for the better.

You can read and/or download the full presentation of XP at www.extremeprogramming.org