RealVNC has been around for a long time, and it is a great tool for remote control of a computer. I remember using it on servers back in the WinNT days. It runs as a windows service, so using the small client, you can connect from anywhere over port 5900 (the default).
For pair programming, it’s essential that both developers are comfortable in front of their own keyboard, mouse, and monitor. You CAN use a single computer, but the developer who is reviewing has a bad angle on the screen and just generally isn’t comfortable. Another method is to attach two monitors, two keyboards and two mice to the same machine. That would work (I’ve never done it), but after using RealVNC for two full days, I’m sold. It doesn’t require a special computer configuration, and it’s super easy to get set up and working. Your partner can know your VNC password, or (as I prefer), the partner turns on the listening client, and then I run the “Add a client” command, put in his computer name, and bingo!, we’re connected. We’re running on my box, but do an F8 and Full Screen, and you can hardly tell the difference.
I just finished 3 straight days of pairing, and we used VNC on the last 2 days. It works really well.
VNC is also great for conference calls. I was on a short conference call yesterday, and the folks on the other end needed to show us something. I turned on my VNC listening client, they added me, and we had video! Great tool!
If you aren’t already using it, download it now. VNC goes beyond remote control well into collaboration.
David,
With RealVNC (and many other free VNC-based apps), you see exactly what is on the other’s computer screen. Your keyboard and mouse are also hooked up, so if you move the mouse, it moves. It enables sharing or remote control over a computer. In fact, one person could be typing, and the other could be moving the mouse, and it all works as expected.
You can even hook up multiple clients to the same main machine for code reviews or meetings of any kind, but if you are pairing, then code reviews are continuous, but from time to time, a live visual meeting is necessary with remote folks.
Maybe you should try it out. The download is free.
If you ask if you can see what the other programmer is doing on his computer… No, you cannot see what he’s doing ON his computer. But you CAN see exactly what’s on his screen, if that’s what you mean. So yes, if the other programmer moves his mouse (the cursor, not the actual hardware on his desk) you see it move as well.
How does it work, I can see exactly what the other programmer is doing on his computer (from my computer)?