Pair programming, a collaborative approach where two developers work together on the same code, brings numerous benefits despite a small productivity cost. Research indicates that the productivity loss is only about 15%, much lower than expected. However, the advantages far outweigh this cost, leading to fewer errors, increased knowledge sharing, less siloed information, and faster overall development, despite writing less code. Pair programming also improves focus by reducing distractions, promotes better code quality, and enhances learning opportunities for engineers.

Shopify, a large, remote-first company, has embraced pair programming as part of its engineering culture. This practice is essential for their success, especially in a remote work environment. Remote pair programming, enabled by tools like Tuple, provides the same benefits as in-person collaboration. It also allows engineers to work together in real-time without the need to be physically co-located, making it highly effective for remote teams. Furthermore, pair programming can reduce the need for traditional code reviews, as the code is reviewed continuously by the two people working together.

At Shopify, management also embraces the technical aspects of the engineering work. Engineering managers are expected to remain hands-on and continue coding or participating in technical discussions. This ensures they stay connected to the work their teams are doing and can offer valuable insights or unblock challenges as they arise. Even senior leadership, such as VPs of Engineering, participate in pair programming interviews to assess candidates' technical abilities.

The company has integrated AI tools like GitHub Copilot to enhance productivity. These tools help engineers write code more efficiently, but they also require a deep understanding of the underlying code, as engineers need to validate and modify the AI-generated suggestions. AI tools are becoming indispensable in both coding and management workflows, offering support in writing, analyzing data, and automating routine tasks. However, managers must still stay involved in decision-making processes and be able to provide valuable guidance that AI cannot yet offer.

Remote work, embraced fully by Shopify during the pandemic, remains a core aspect of its company culture. The company has adopted a hybrid approach that includes remote work, but also encourages in-person interactions through designated "ports" or physical offices, and "bursts" of in-person collaboration for specific projects or team events. This balance between remote and in-person work helps maintain team cohesion and trust.

The future of engineering work will likely continue to evolve, with more companies adopting remote-first or hybrid models. AI tools will play an increasing role in both coding and management, helping teams become more efficient. However, human expertise and collaboration will remain critical to maintaining high-quality output and fostering innovation. Companies that embrace these tools and practices will be well-positioned to lead in the evolving tech landscape.