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Pair Programming and Refactoring

publish date: 2026/06/04 11:20:2.063032 UTC

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Why does pair programming make refactoring easier to sustain compared to individual programming?

Because in individual programming, refactoring effort is expended for long-term benefit and an individual may be judged as less efficient — but where pair programming and collective ownership are used, others benefit immediately from the refactoring and are likely to support the process

Because refactoring is automated when two programmers work together

Because pair programming eliminates code complexity and therefore removes the need for refactoring

Because pair programmers always have more time for refactoring than individual programmers

Correct Answer

Explanation

In individual programming, refactoring effort is expended for long-term benefit — an individual who practises refactoring may be judged as less efficient than one who simply carries on developing code. Where pair programming and collective ownership are used, others benefit immediately from the refactoring, so they are likely to support the process.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 9th edition

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