What is a potential drawback of pair programming?

Pair programming involves two programmers working together at one workstation, which fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing. However, one potential drawback is that it can lead to excessive time being spent on code reviews. In a pair programming setting, discussions about the code can become lengthy as both programmers contribute to decisions, leading to potential inefficiencies. The time spent deliberating on various approaches, styles, and implementations may slow down the coding process, particularly if both programmers have different opinions or if they struggle to reach a consensus. While the benefits of collaboration can outweigh this drawback, it is important to acknowledge that managing the time spent in discussions is crucial to maintain productivity.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of pair programming. Exceptional outcomes cannot be guaranteed as collaboration still relies on the skills and experience of the programmers involved. Standardizing coding styles is often a benefit of pair programming, as collaborating closely can lead to a more uniform approach. Lastly, pair programming does not allow for full individual focus, as it inherently requires constant interaction and communication between the two programmers, which can detract from individual concentration.