Three Types of Programmers
I have long said that there seems to be three main types of programmers, (1) the "Lone Wolf" type, who works well by him or herself and doesn't need or want help. (2) the "Pair programmer" (or "Duo", as I've always called them) who work well with each other. In a good duo, they complement each other's strengths and weaknesses, help add energy and keep enthusiasm levels up, and often accomplish a surprising amount. And (3) the "Team programmer" who works well in a full team environment, tasked by the team (or team lead / manager) and working on smaller portions of the project and collectively arriving at the goal.
I don't think any one "type" is especially "better" (or worse) than any other type, but its important to realize what type someone is and enable them accordingly. So you don't toss a "lone wolf" into a duo or a team, etc., and expect peak performance. I think its probably mostly about personalities, but possibly also about individual backgrounds and skill sets.
