Hi guys,at the company, where I currently work, we are ramping up several Communities of Practices and one of the activities we want to introduce is “Coding Dojos”. This is the topic for today´s blog.
A Coding Dojo is an activity that brings developers together to work in a pre-selected programming challenge. This is a great way for developers to improve their skills and it´s a great activity to encourage learning between developers.
Everything starts with a pre-selection of a coding challenge which helps the people to prepare better for the activity. The dojo runs with two developers working in a pair in front of a computer solving the coding challenge. This can span different topics. For example, re-factoring some part of the code, implement a new architecture, etc. The PC will be connected into a projector in order to share their work with the rest of the room/office.
During the development task, developers talk aloud giving an explanation to others about tasks and their solutions. If the room cannot follow what is being said, the developers will explain once again until they understand the approach taken by the pair.
In every five minutes one half of the pair changes a seat with someone else in the room. This will allow everyone in the room to participate in this activity. Usually this exercise lasts for 1 hour.
I believe this is a great way to help team members sharing the knowledge among each other.
What do you think about this activity?
