The benefits of Code Reviews

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Update date: 27.12.2024
Author of the update: Radosław Kozioł

Code reviews are essential to the software development process, helping validate design and implementation. They ensure consistency across the project and foster a collaborative environment. A well-conducted code review makes contributing to a project much more comfortable. Forgot something? No worries—there’s always a chance to review changes. Unsure about your logic? Don’t worry—others can check your work.

Why Do Code Reviews Matter?

• Knowledge Sharing: Feedback from team members with different experience levels is a quick way to learn and grow.
• Readability: If the reviewer can’t understand my pull request (PR), it will be harder for anyone maintaining or building on it later.
• Mentoring Junior Engineers: Code reviews are a great opportunity to guide newer engineers.
• Early Bug Discovery: Catching bugs earlier reduces overall development time and effort.
• Collaboration: Reviews encourage teamwork and open communication across the team.
• Team Cohesion: Review discussions help prevent isolation and bring team members closer.
• Improved Code Quality: While many tools can enforce coding standards, human reviews ensure that code is clear, maintainable, and efficient.
• Saves Time and Money: By reducing rework and avoiding issues later in the project, code reviews save both time and money.

Are There Any Downsides?

• Time-Consuming: Code reviews require time and focus, which can be challenging in tight schedules.
• Large PRs = More Time: Bigger PRs demand more attention and may delay feedback.
• Distraction from Tasks: Reviewing code takes time away from your own responsibilities.
• “No Trust” Feeling: Some may feel micromanaged or mistrusted during the review process.

How to Do Code Reviews Properly

• Include Everyone: Encourage participation from all team members, whether junior or senior, to keep everyone aligned with the project’s progress. However, focus on the technical expertise of your team when selecting reviewers. Too many eyes on the code can be counterproductive.
• Manage PR Size: Smaller PRs are much easier to review than large ones with a massive number of changes. Smaller PRs also allow for faster, more focused feedback.
• Describe Your PR: A clear and concise PR description helps prevent misunderstandings and gives context to your changes.
• Ask Questions and Provide Helpful Context: If something is unclear to you, it’s likely that others will have similar questions. Don’t hesitate to ask the author why certain changes were made or to request more context.
• Maintain Good Vibes: Code reviews should be constructive, not personal. Always be kind and offer feedback in a way that encourages improvement. Avoid complaints—remember, you’re on the same team. 😊
• Give Positive Feedback: Point out the good aspects of the code too, not just areas for improvement. Positive reinforcement is just as important as constructive criticism.
• Don’t Rush to Find Bugs: It’s okay if you don’t spot any bugs. If everything looks good to you, let the author know that the changes seem solid. That in itself is valuable feedback.

Helpful Tools for Code Reviews

• GitLab
• JetBrains Space
• Codebeat
• SmartBear