What's the Best Team Size? The Joys of Working on a Large Team

Working on a large development team offers unique benefits including continuous learning from diverse teammates, improved teaching skills through varied pairing interactions, and more opportunities for experimental work without impacting velocity. The author identifies three key advantages: exposure to more tools and techniques from 10+ teammates rather than just a few, meta-learning about different teaching and learning styles through observing multiple pairs, and flexibility for individuals to explore technical investments while maintaining team velocity. These benefits depend heavily on pair programming practices, which become especially valuable on larger teams for knowledge sharing and preventing silos.