Coding Dojo

A Coding Dojo is a methodology for improving the quality and performance of a software developer team. The methodology defines an environment for a group or a single software developer to practice writing program code. Hence a Coding Dojo is a framework for practicing writing software in a formal environment.

This framework cannot only be used for practicing writing code; it can also be used for practicing other known and established methodologies such as Pair Programming orTest-Driven Development (TDD).

Kata

Kata is a Japanese word referring to detailed choreographed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs.

In a programming Kata, the movements needed to solve a programming problem are being practiced. The goal is not to practice solving the problem – the solution is already known – but to practice how to write lines of code in a perfect manner and how to assemble these lines of code into a smooth and fluent, easily readable piece of code.

Depending on the kind of Coding Dojo, one person is coding (Driver); another person is assisting (Navigator). The other team members are watching how the small step of the Kata is solved.

Since the Coding Dojo is time-boxed, the Dojo ends when time is up. It doesn’t matter if the problem is solved or not. In the next Dojo it’s important that the same Kata is done again. This time, the team will be able to focus more on “How to write code more efficient” rather than in how to solve the specific problem of this Kata.

* The goal of a Coding Dojo is not to write the perfect code; it’s more to write code perfectly (efficiently)