Code reviews are like a check-up for your code. Just the same way a doctor examines your health, another developer reviews your code to catch bugs, improve readability, and make sure it follows the team’s standards. This process helps developers learn from each other, keeps the code clean, and stops minor issues from growing into bigger problems.
Let’s break down the steps to conduct a successful code review in a way that’s easy to follow.
1. Understanding the Importance of Code Reviews
Imagine you’re building a wardrobe with a friend. You have a good plan, but your friend might spot things you missed, like a loose nail or a weak plank. Code reviews work the same way. They’re a team effort to catch potential problems and make the code better.
The goals of a code review are to:
- Catch Bugs Early: Fixing issues at this stage is easier than after the code goes live.
- Maintain Quality: Reviews ensure that the code follows the standards, making it easier to read and work with.
- Share Knowledge: Team members learn new techniques from each other during reviews.
2. Preparing for a Code Review
Preparation makes a code review flow better. Here’s what both the owner of the code and the code reviewer should do:
- For the Owner: Before submitting your code, double-check it. Make sure it’s clear, has no obvious mistakes, and follows your team’s coding guidelines. Endeavour to add comments where needed and include a clear message about what the code does and why you wrote it this way.
- For the Reviewer: Take a few minutes to read any notes the author included. Understanding the “why” behind the code helps you spot issues faster and easily. Set aside dedicated time for the review to avoid rushing.
A developer submits a pull request for a new feature. Along with the code, they add a note explaining the purpose of the feature and any important details. The reviewer reads these notes and sets an hour to look through the code carefully.
3. Conducting the Code Review
During the review, the code reviewer should check the code for the following:
- Correctness: Does the code do what it’s supposed to? Is it free from bugs?
- Readability: Is the code easy to understand, with clear variable names and comments where needed?
- Performance: Are there any parts of the code that could run faster or use less memory?
- Security: Does the code follow good security practices? For example, it should check inputs and avoid exposing sensitive data.
- Adherence to Standards: Does it match the team’s coding standards?
Focus on giving feedback on the code itself, not the person who wrote it. Good feedback is specific, polite, and clear. If something is confusing, ask for clarification instead of making assumptions.
For example, while reviewing a new API, the code reviewer checks that data validation is in place. Looks for comments that explain any complex parts, and verifies that the API follows RESTful principles. If something’s unclear, they leave a question instead of guessing.
4. Handling Feedback and Revisions
After the review, it’s the code owner’s turn to go over the feedback:
- Start by Appreciating the Feedback: Acknowledge the comments and thank the reviewer.
- Make Revisions: Go through the feedback and improve your code accordingly. If some points are unclear, ask for further clarification.
- Communicate Clearly: Keep an open line of communication with the reviewer.
After revisions, the reviewer checks the updated code to confirm that the feedback has been addressed.
Let’s say the code reviewer suggests better error handling for an API. The code owner should update the code to include more detailed error messages and ask if the reviewer could take another look.
5. Best Practices for Code Reviews
To make the code review process better, you should consider following these best practices:
- Keep Reviews Small: Reviewing manageable blocks of code is easier and more effective than tackling huge blocks at once.
- Use Automated Tools: Automated checks can handle things like formatting or syntax errors, freeing up the reviewer to focus on the bigger picture.
- Consistency Is Key: Establish a clear and consistent review process so everyone knows what to expect.
- Stay Positive: Code reviews are about improvement, not criticism. A respectful and encouraging tone creates a positive environment.
6. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Some common mistakes in code reviews can reduce their effectiveness. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Rushing Through the Review: Taking your time to do a thorough review helps catch issues that could be missed in a quick scan.
- Only Focusing on Style: Code reviews aren’t just about formatting. Make sure to check for functionality, efficiency, security, and performance.
- Being Overly Critical: Negative feedback can discourage the code owner. It’s better to be constructive, focusing on improvement and learning.
If a team member submits a small bug fix, the reviewer should check the code carefully and leave helpful, balanced feedback. They could say, “The logic here looks great. A small suggestion: maybe add a comment explaining this tricky part.”
Finally
A successful code review helps keep the codebase strong, improves teamwork, and creates a culture of continuous improvement. By following the steps I shared, you will build a review process that benefits you and your entire team.
Further, improve yourself by checking out this article that talks about the essential digital skills for every employee in the workspace