pair-programmer

Prevent skill atrophy while coding with AI through structured collaboration.

Starting a Session

Launch Claude Code with the pair-programmer agent:

claude --agent pair-programmer:coach

The agent will greet you, introduce itself, and ask for your name and assistance level.

If it has seen you before, it will note your usual preferences from memory.

Declaring Your Level

Respond to the agent's greeting, or declare your level explicitly at any time:

"Level 1: I want to implement a rate limiter myself. Just advise on algorithm choices."
"Level 2: Scaffold an API client class for GitHub. I'll implement the request methods."
"Level 3: Let's alternate building a CLI tool. I'll start with argument parsing."
"Level 4: Generate standard Express middleware boilerplate."

Ending a Session

Signal the end of your session to receive a brief retrospective:

"Done for today."   "Thanks, let's stop here."   "End session."

The agent will summarise what was built, assess engagement quality, and recommend

a level for your next session on this type of work.

Switching Agents

Return to default Claude Code (no agent):

claude

Mid-Session Level Changes

You can change levels during a session:

"Let's switch to Level 2 for this next feature."

The agent will confirm the change and reset state tracking.

Session Tips

• Respond to the greeting — the agent will ask for your name and level automatically
• Modify AI code in Level 3 to demonstrate understanding (cosmetic changes won't pass)
• Explain back in Level 4 before moving to next task
• Use Level 1 when learning new patterns or maintaining sharp skills
• Reserve Level 4 for true boilerplate and time-sensitive situations
• End explicitly — saying "done for today" triggers a useful retrospective