Let's be real: Code reviews aren't the most exciting task on a developer's to-do list. The question is, what ingredients go into making a good code review? And, how do we make it suck less? Firstly, let's clarify what a code review is. It's not just about nitpicking at someone else's code or pointing out every missing semicolon. It's a chance to learn and grow, to improve the quality of the code, and to build team unity. It's like a book club but for code. We're all here to enjoy the story, discuss the plot twists, and maybe, just maybe, make it a little bit better. A good is an art. The reviewer is like a sculptor, chipping away at the raw block of code to reveal the masterpiece beneath. But it's also a science. It requires a methodical approach, a clear understanding of the code's purpose, and an eye for detail. code review "A good code reviewer doesn't just find bugs; they also foster learning, maintain code quality, and promote team unity." So, how can we achieve this delicate balance of art and science? Code reviews are an opportunity to learn from each other. Be open to feedback and ready to share your knowledge. Learning: Maintaining code quality should be the top priority. Look for bugs, style inconsistencies, and potential improvements. Quality: Code reviews are a team sport. Be supportive, constructive, and respectful to your teammates. Unity: How NOT to do a Code Review 1. The Nitpicker Code reviews are not about playing 'Spot the Typo' or 'Find the Missing Semicolon'. Yes, clean code matters, but remember, we're coders, not grammar teachers. It's about the code's functionality and maintainability over minor style inconsistencies. "Code reviews aren't about nitpicking; they're about nurturing quality and collaboration." Linting should be able to be done locally without The Nitpicker. 2. The Novel Writer Ever got a review longer than the code itself? You're not alone. Code reviews should be concise and to the point. It's not about flexing your vocabulary muscles or delivering 'War and Peace' in comments. PR on a PR? Nope. Be helpful, don't do the work for them. 3. The Silent Type Code reviews are a two-way street. If you're giving a review, make sure to provide constructive feedback. And if you're on the receiving end? Don't respond with silence. Ask questions, provide explanations, and engage! LGTM is not helpful. Dragging feet on the PR Issue log is also inappropriate. 4. The Dictator Code reviews aren't a power play. It's not about enforcing your personal style or preferences but about maintaining code quality and consistency. Remember, code review is a democracy, not a dictatorship. There is a reason why linting and quality metrics can be standardized and applied in the pipeline. What makes code in style and up to quality? It's defined. Want to change it? Submit a PR. The Dictator is counterproductive. 5. The 'Always Negative' Reviewer While it's important to highlight issues, don't forget to acknowledge what's done right. A good review isn't just about pointing out bugs, it's about fostering learning and promoting team unity. It's a balance. Let's extract this to an interface and inject it. Move toward Dependency Inversion. ... goes nicely with ... Nice use of Liskov! Why Code Reviews Matter Before we get into the nuances, let's establish the basics. Code reviews are a critical component of the software development process. They serve multiple purposes: : A second pair of eyes often catch what the first pair missed. Bug Identification : Reviews disseminate knowledge about codebase changes, ensuring that no single person becomes a silo of information. Knowledge Sharing : They ensure the code aligns with the team's coding standards and practices. Great code like it was all written by one person. Code Consistency looks : Believe it or not, reviews can be a bonding experience, bringing developers closer through collaboration and mutual learning. Team Cohesion The Science: Technical Mastery in Reviews Code reviews aren't just about spotting errors. They’re about ensuring the code is of the highest quality. Here are some technical aspects to keep in mind: : Ensure you comprehend the problem the code is trying to solve. Sometimes, the issue isn't with the code itself but with its alignment to the requirements. Understand Context : Review for any potential bottlenecks or inefficient loops that could hamper performance. Check for Performance Issues : Keep an eye out for potential security vulnerabilities, such as exposed sensitive data or unchecked user inputs. Security Scrutiny : Code should not just work; it should be clean and modular for future maintainability. Code Modularity and Cleanliness The Art: Fostering a Collaborative Review Culture Beyond the cold logic of code, there’s a more subtle, artful side to code reviews. This deals with the human element, and it’s crucial to a successful review process. : Always frame feedback constructively. Instead of saying, "This won't work," consider, "Could this approach be optimized further?" That Socrates guy was onto something. Feedback Framing : Promote a culture where asking questions during reviews is welcomed and encouraged. Encourage Questions : Acknowledge good code and innovative solutions. A bit of positive reinforcement goes a long way. Recognize and Appreciate : Understand that every piece of code has effort behind it. Be respectful in your feedback, emphasizing improvement rather than criticism. Balance Critique with Empathy Tools and Best Practices The modern developer isn't just armed with knowledge but also a suite of tools to aid in code reviews. : Tools like GitHub and Bitbucket provide integrated code review tools, making it easier to comment, discuss, and track changes. Version Control Platforms : Before diving into a review, automated tests can help identify glaring issues. Tools like Jenkins or Travis CI can help in this regard. Automated Testing : Tools like ESLint or Prettier can automatically catch and fix style inconsistencies, reducing the manual overhead in reviews. Linters and Formatters : Tools like SonarQube can highlight areas of cyclomatic and cognitive complexity. Beyond that, they can be configured to fail the pipeline so as to de-personalize the feedback and ensure all team members’ contributions are held to the same standards. Automated Quality and Security Analysis The Symphony of Code Reviews Code reviews are a symphony of technical precision and human collaboration. When done right, they're not just a step in the development process but an enriching experience that elevates the entire team's skillset and cohesion. To truly master code reviews, we must walk the delicate line between scrutinizing the code's science and understanding the art of human collaboration. Also published . here

Too Long; Didn't Read

Making security fun one episode at a time

Getting the Best Out of Code Reviews

Too Long; Didn't Read

Ivan Novak

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Getting the Best Out of Code Reviews

Too Long; Didn't Read

Ivan Novak

About Author

TOPICS

THIS ARTICLE WAS FEATURED IN...

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