PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Practice Exam

In XP methodology, what is the role of a Programmer?

1. To supervise the project team during development

2. To write the code while being paired with an observer

3. To create the user stories for the project

4. To prioritize the product backlog

The correct answer is: To write the code while being paired with an observer

In Extreme Programming (XP), the role of a Programmer is primarily focused on writing code, a process that is often performed in a collaborative manner known as "pair programming." In this practice, two programmers work closely together: one writes the code while the other observes, reviews, and provides feedback in real time. This approach enhances code quality, facilitates knowledge sharing, and encourages immediate problem-solving. The emphasis on collaboration in XP means that coding is not just an individual task, but rather a teamwork-oriented process that allows for continuous improvement and adaptation. By pairing, programmers can leverage each other's strengths, leading to higher-quality and more maintainable code. This cooperative approach supports the agile principles of flexibility, responsiveness to change, and client collaboration throughout the development process. In contrast, supervising the project team or prioritizing the product backlog are roles typically fulfilled by managerial or leadership positions, such as a project manager or product owner, rather than programmers. Similarly, creating user stories—the descriptions of software features from an end-user perspective—is also a task that aligns more closely with stakeholders and product owners in the agile framework. This delineation of roles ensures that each team member can focus on their primary responsibilities while still contributing to the overall project goals.