/modes

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

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

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

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

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

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

# 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

claude-flow pair --start \
  --mode switch \
  --interval 10m \
  --verify \
  --test

Specialized Modes

TDD Mode

Test-Driven Development focus.

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.

claude-flow pair --start \
  --mode review \
  --strict \
  --security

**Features:**

• Real-time feedback
• Security scanning
• Performance analysis
• Best practice enforcement

Mentor Mode

Learning-focused collaboration.

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.

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

claude-flow pair --start \
  --mode switch \
  --verify \
  --test \
  --review \
  --threshold 0.98

Learning-Focused

claude-flow pair --start \
  --mode mentor \
  --explain-all \
  --examples \
  --pace slow

Speed-Focused

claude-flow pair --start \
  --mode navigator \
  --quick \
  --templates \
  --no-review

Debug-Focused

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:

// .claude-flow/config.json
{
  "pair": {
    "defaultMode": "switch",
    "switchInterval": "10m",
    "preferredRole": "driver",
    "autoSwitchOnIdle": true
  }
}

Best Practices by Mode

Driver Mode