Code Reviews That Don’t Suck: Tips for Reviewers and Submitters
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63282/3050-922X.IJERET-V6I2P109Keywords:
Code review, pull request, software development, peer review, code quality, submitter tips, reviewer guidelines, DevOps, continuous integration, engineering best practices, collaborative programming, version control, GitHub, merge request, productivityAbstract
In collaborative software development, code reviews are essential; yet, oftentimes they seem difficult, useless, or even hostile. This paper presents acceptable suggestions to increase the relevance and efficiency of code reviews, therefore addressing the typical problems found by submitters and reviewers. The statistics mostly support a paradigm change: seeing code review as a developmental conversation among peers rather than as a gatekeeping tool. This entails focusing on clarity rather than wit for reviewers, replacing help with sarcasm, and stressing the goal of the code rather than only its syntax. For submitters, it means aggressively clarifying design decisions, embracing comments with their openness, and viewing review as an opportunity for development rather than just a procedural need. The article offers ideas and techniques to handle these recurring problems, including unclear remarks, too much inspection, long review times, and false expectations. Typical motifs are clarity, empathy, technique, and tools. Empathy is learning the humanity concealed under every set of rules. Clarity is writing even for your future self clear, understandable comments and commitments. The procedure includes well-defined policies and timetables to help assessments stay on their intended route or avoid stretching too long. From linters to review templates, tooling can help to reduce friction and direct focus on these critical issues. Regardless of your experience level as an engineer, this piece offers sharp analysis and useful advice to turn code reviews from unwelcome chores into major team building, trust, and technical knowledge possibilities
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