Ping-Pong Programming (aka. Ping-Pong Pair Programming) is a kind of Pair Programming that TDD (Test Driven Development) is included while in practice. In other words, it is a combination of Pair Programming and TDD.

In addition to the Pair Programming's own benefits, Ping-Pong Pair Programming has the following advantages:

• TDD :)

• Easier to find the rhythm of the development flow which can be a problem when it comes to switching pairs.

• A much smaller problem space needs to be managed, so this enables developers to sync with the flow quicker than other styles.

• Avoids mismatched pair issues -like one developer knows more than the other- as each developer takes turns writing tests and making them pass.

• The work is gamified, so it puts another kind of motivation for developers.

Let's say there are two developers, developer A and developer B. The development flow goes like the following:

• A writes a failing test.

• B makes the test pass writing only enough code to make the test pass.

• B writes the next test.

• A writes only enough code to make that test pass.

• Continue until A and B both agree that there are no more tests for the unit they are currently working on.

• Either developer can refactor the code only all tests stays "passing".

The optimal setup to work in this rhythm is two developers sitting side by side, a single computer with two input devices: That’s two monitors, two keyboards, and two mice. However, developers may do pairs remotely if they work in a remote environment via tools like Live Share etc.

Ping-Pong programming can also be done in a group which is a form of Mob Programming. So it can be called Ping-Pong Mob Programming:

• A developer writes a failing unit test.

• Another developer -maybe the one next to her/him- writes as little code as possible to make the test pass.

• Another developer -maybe the one next to her/him- writes a failing unit test. And it continues like this...

• Any developer can refactor any code when needed but only when the tests pass.

• When the driver asks for help, the rest of the group politely helps out without any other interruption.