Austin Style Code Dojo

Here in Austin, Texas, we’ve just started weekly dojos. Our dojo style is similar to Randoori, but without pairing (instead of pairs, we’re all one set).  In Randoori terms, we use something similar to Ping Pong.

The flow goes like this: One of the coders writes a failing test.  Lately we’ve discussed the proper API in detail during this step.  I think we’re trying to learn the wisdom of proper test structure.

Once the test fails, that person sits down, and someone else goes to the keyboard.  That person solves the test, does any refactoring, and writes a failing test.  Then they pass the keyboard.

It continues like that, with each person doing “Fix it.  Refactor. Break it.  Pass Keyboard”.

We’ve been working in very small groups of about 3-5.  In that size, everyone sees what’s going on and gets a chance to drive.  We don’t have a projector, which isn’t too bad since the groups are small. (But if someone wants to lend us one, it could be useful.)

We allow discussions and suggestions and comments at any time (not just on a green bar), but the rule is “the person at the keyboard is supreme dictator”.  They can choose to ignore everyone else, or go with whatever suggestion they choose.

We’re still working out the bumps, but we seem to have a good system going.  If you’re in Austin and have a Monday evening free, come join us at Genuine Joe’s Coffeehouse from 8 – 10 pm.

Tags: austin, Austin Texas, code kata, coding dojo, deliberate practice, software development, TDD