What are the differences among the various kinds of collaborative construction? Table 21-1 provides a summary of each technique's major characteristics.

Pair programming doesn't have decades of data supporting its effectiveness like formal inspection does, but the initial data suggests it's on roughly equal footing with inspections, and anecdotal reports have also been positive.

If pair programming and formal inspections produce similar results for quality, cost, and schedule, the choice between them becomes a matter of personal style rather than one of technical substance. Some people prefer to work solo, only occasionally breaking out of solo mode for inspection meetings. Others prefer to spend more of their time directly working with others. The choice between the two techniques can be driven by the work-style preference of a team's specific developers, and subgroups within the team might be allowed to choose which way they would like to do most of their work. You should also use different techniques with a project, as appropriate.