MCP Standards

# Pair Programming Modes Detailed guide to pair programming modes and their optimal use cases. ## Driver Mode In driver mode, you write the code while the AI acts as navigator. ### Usage ```bash claude-flow pair --start --mode driver ``` ### Responsibilities **You (Driver):** - Write the actual code - Implement solutions - Make immediate decisions - Handle syntax and structure **AI (Navigator):** - Provide strategic guidance - Spot potential issues - Suggest improvements - Review in real-time - Track overall direction ### Best For - Learning new patterns - Implementing familiar features - Quick iterations - Hands-on debugging ### Example Session ```bash claude-flow pair --start \ --mode driver \ --agent senior-navigator \ --review \ --verify ``` ### Commands in Driver Mode ``` /suggest - Get implementation suggestions /review - Request code review /explain - Ask for explanations /optimize - Request optimization ideas /patterns - Get pattern recommendations ``` ## Navigator Mode In navigator mode, the AI writes code while you provide guidance. ### Usage ```bash claude-flow pair --start --mode navigator ``` ### Responsibilities **You (Navigator):** - Provide high-level direction - Review generated code - Make architectural decisions - Ensure business requirements **AI (Driver):** - Write implementation code - Handle syntax details - Implement your guidance - Manage boilerplate - Execute refactoring ### Best For - Rapid prototyping - Boilerplate generation - Learning from AI patterns - Exploring solutions ### Example Session ```bash claude-flow pair --start \ --mode navigator \ --agent expert-coder \ --test \ --language python ``` ### Commands in Navigator Mode ``` /implement - Direct implementation /refactor - Request refactoring /test - Generate tests /document - Add documentation /alternate - See alternative approaches ``` ## Switch Mode Automatically alternates between driver and navigator roles. ### Usage ```bash claude-flow pair --start --mode switch [--interval <time>] ``` ### Default Intervals - **10 minutes** - Standard switching - **5 minutes** - Rapid collaboration - **15 minutes** - Deep focus periods - **Custom** - Set your preference ### Configuration ```bash # 5-minute intervals claude-flow pair --start --mode switch --interval 5m # 15-minute intervals claude-flow pair --start --mode switch --interval 15m # Hour-long intervals claude-flow pair --start --mode switch --interval 1h ``` ### Role Transitions **Handoff Process:** 1. 30-second warning before switch 2. Current driver completes thought 3. Context summary generated 4. Roles swap smoothly 5. New driver continues ### Best For - Balanced collaboration - Knowledge sharing - Complex features - Extended sessions ### Example Session ```bash claude-flow pair --start \ --mode switch \ --interval 10m \ --verify \ --test ``` ## Specialized Modes ### TDD Mode Test-Driven Development focus. ```bash claude-flow pair --start \ --mode tdd \ --test-first \ --coverage 100 ``` **Workflow:** 1. Write failing test (Red) 2. Implement minimal code (Green) 3. Refactor (Refactor) 4. Repeat cycle ### Review Mode Continuous code review focus. ```bash claude-flow pair --start \ --mode review \ --strict \ --security ``` **Features:** - Real-time feedback - Security scanning - Performance analysis - Best practice enforcement ### Mentor Mode Learning-focused collaboration. ```bash claude-flow pair --start \ --mode mentor \ --explain-all \ --pace slow ``` **Features:** - Detailed explanations - Step-by-step guidance - Pattern teaching - Best practice examples ### Debug Mode Problem-solving focus. ```bash claude-flow pair --start \ --mode debug \ --verbose \ --trace ``` **Features:** - Issue identification - Root cause analysis - Fix suggestions - Prevention strategies ## Mode Selection Guide ### Choose Driver Mode When: - You want hands-on practice - Learning new concepts - Implementing your ideas - Prefer writing code yourself ### Choose Navigator Mode When: - Need rapid implementation - Generating boilerplate - Exploring AI suggestions - Learning from examples ### Choose Switch Mode When: - Long sessions planned - Balanced collaboration needed - Complex features - Team simulation ### Choose Specialized Modes When: - **TDD**: Building with tests - **Review**: Quality focus - **Mentor**: Learning priority - **Debug**: Fixing issues ## Mode Comparison | Mode | You Write | AI Writes | Best For | Switch Time | |------|-----------|-----------|----------|-------------| | Driver | ✅ | ❌ | Learning, Control | N/A | | Navigator | ❌ | ✅ | Speed, Generation | N/A | | Switch | ✅/❌ | ✅/❌ | Balance, Long Sessions | 5-60min | | TDD | ✅/❌ | ✅/❌ | Test-First | Per cycle | | Review | ✅ | ❌ | Quality | N/A | | Mentor | ✅ | ❌ | Learning | N/A | | Debug | ✅/❌ | ✅/❌ | Fixing | N/A | ## Mode Combinations ### Quality-Focused ```bash claude-flow pair --start \ --mode switch \ --verify \ --test \ --review \ --threshold 0.98 ``` ### Learning-Focused ```bash claude-flow pair --start \ --mode mentor \ --explain-all \ --examples \ --pace slow ``` ### Speed-Focused ```bash claude-flow pair --start \ --mode navigator \ --quick \ --templates \ --no-review ``` ### Debug-Focused ```bash claude-flow pair --start \ --mode debug \ --trace \ --verbose \ --breakpoints ``` ## Switching Modes Mid-Session During any session, you can switch modes: ``` /mode driver - Switch to driver mode /mode navigator - Switch to navigator mode /mode switch - Enable auto-switching /mode tdd - Switch to TDD mode /mode review - Switch to review mode ``` ## Mode Persistence Save mode preferences: ```json // .claude-flow/config.json { "pair": { "defaultMode": "switch", "switchInterval": "10m", "preferredRole": "driver", "autoSwitchOnIdle": true } } ``` ## Best Practices by Mode ### Driver Mode 1. Ask questions frequently 2. Request reviews often 3. Use suggestions wisely 4. Learn from feedback ### Navigator Mode 1. Provide clear direction 2. Review thoroughly 3. Test generated code 4. Understand implementations ### Switch Mode 1. Prepare for handoffs 2. Maintain context 3. Document decisions 4. Stay synchronized ## Related Documentation - [Pair Programming Overview](./README.md) - [Starting Sessions](./start.md) - [Session Management](./session.md) - [Configuration](./config.md)