Mob programming is a collaborative software development approach where the entire team works on the same task, at the same time, in the same space, and at the same computer. Think of it as pair programming expanded to include the whole development team.

In a mob programming session, one person acts as the "driver" who controls the keyboard and writes the code. The rest of the team serves as "navigators" who think strategically about the solution and guide the driver. The driver role typically rotates every 10-15 minutes, ensuring everyone gets hands-on time with the code.

This collaborative technique offers several benefits:

• Knowledge sharing: Team members learn from each other in real-time
• Fewer bugs: Multiple sets of eyes catch issues immediately
• Improved code quality: Solutions benefit from diverse perspectives
• Reduced bottlenecks: No waiting for code reviews or handoffs
• Enhanced team cohesion: Builds trust and communication skills

While mob programming may initially seem less efficient than having developers work independently, many teams report higher overall productivity due to fewer blockers, reduced rework, and faster problem-solving.

Unlike traditional pair programming which involves just two developers, mob programming leverages the collective intelligence of the entire team, making it particularly effective for complex problems or when working with unfamiliar technologies.