name: xp-practices
description: "Apply XP practices including pair programming, ensemble programming, continuous integration, and sustainable pace. Use when implementing agile development practices, improving team collaboration, or adopting technical excellence practices."
category: methodology
priority: medium
tokenEstimate: 1000
agents: [qe-quality-analyzer, qe-test-executor, qe-code-reviewer]
implementation_status: optimized
optimization_version: 1.0
last_optimized: 2025-12-03
dependencies: []
quick_reference_card: true
tags: [xp, agile, pair-programming, tdd, continuous-integration, collaboration]

Extreme Programming (XP) Practices

When applying XP practices:
1. START with practices that give immediate value
2. BUILD supporting practices gradually
3. ADAPT to your context
4. MEASURE results

Core XP Practices (Prioritized):
| Practice | Start Here | Why First |
|----------|------------|-----------|
| TDD | ✅ Yes | Foundation for everything |
| Continuous Integration | ✅ Yes | Fast feedback |
| Pair Programming | ✅ Yes | Knowledge sharing |
| Collective Ownership | After CI+TDD | Needs safety net |
| Small Releases | After CI | Infrastructure dependent |

Pairing Quick Start:

Driver-Navigator (Classic):
- Driver: Writes code
- Navigator: Reviews, thinks ahead
- Rotate every 20-30 min

Ping-Pong (with TDD):
A: Write failing test
B: Make test pass + refactor
B: Write next failing test
A: Make test pass + refactor

Quick Reference Card

The Five XP Values

Core Practices

Pair Programming

When to Pair

Pairing Dos and Don'ts

Do:
- ✅ Switch roles every 20-30 min
- ✅ Take breaks together
- ✅ Think out loud
- ✅ Ask questions
- ✅ Keep sessions 2-4 hours max

Don't:
- ❌ Grab keyboard without asking
- ❌ Check phone while pairing
- ❌ Dominate conversation
- ❌ Pair all day (exhausting)

Ensemble (Mob) Programming

Setup: 3+ developers, one screen, rotating driver

[Screen]
   ↓
[Driver] ← Directions from navigators
   ↑
[Navigator 1] [Navigator 2] [Navigator 3]

Rotation: Driver switches every 5-10 min

Best for:
- Complex problem solving
- Architectural decisions
- Learning new frameworks
- Resolving blockers

Continuous Integration

CI Workflow:

1. Pull latest from main
2. Make small change (<2 hrs work)
3. Run tests locally (all pass)
4. Commit and push
5. CI runs tests automatically
6. If fail → fix immediately

Best Practices:
- Commit frequently (small changes)
- Keep build fast (<10 min)
- Fix broken builds immediately
- Never commit to broken build

Four Rules of Simple Design

(In priority order)
1. Passes all tests - Works correctly
2. Reveals intention - Clear, expressive code
3. No duplication - DRY principle
4. Fewest elements - No speculative code

Agent Integration

// Agent-human pair testing
const charter = "Test payment edge cases";
const tests = await Task("Generate Tests", { charter }, "qe-test-generator");
const reviewed = await human.review(tests);
await Task("Implement", { tests: reviewed }, "qe-test-generator");

// Continuous integration with agents
await Task("Risk Analysis", { prDiff }, "qe-regression-risk-analyzer");
await Task("Generate Tests", { changes: prDiff }, "qe-test-generator");
await Task("Execute Tests", { scope: 'affected' }, "qe-test-executor");

// Sustainable pace: agents handle grunt work
const agentWork = ['regression', 'data-generation', 'coverage-analysis'];
const humanWork = ['exploratory', 'risk-assessment', 'strategy'];

Agent Coordination Hints

Memory Namespace

aqe/xp-practices/
├── pairing-sessions/*   - Pair/ensemble session logs
├── ci-metrics/*         - CI health metrics
├── velocity/*           - Team velocity data
└── retrospectives/*     - XP retrospective notes

Fleet Coordination

const xpFleet = await FleetManager.coordinate({
  strategy: 'xp-workflow',
  agents: [
    'qe-test-generator',   // TDD support
    'qe-test-executor',    // CI integration
    'qe-code-reviewer'     // Collective ownership
  ],
  topology: 'parallel'
});

Common Objections

Related Skills

• tdd-london-chicago - TDD deep dive
• refactoring-patterns - Safe refactoring
• pair-programming - AI-assisted pairing

Remember

XP practices work as a system. Don't cherry-pick randomly:
- TDD enables collective ownership
- CI enables small releases
- Pairing enables collective ownership
- Sustainable pace enables everything

With Agents: Agents amplify XP. Pair humans with agents. Agents handle repetitive work, humans provide judgment and creativity.