Code Reviews: Striking the Right Balance

Introduction

Code reviews play a crucial role in software development, ensuring the quality, stability, and reliability of the codebase. Throughout my career, I have encountered various approaches to code reviews, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

In this blog, I want to share my experiences with code reviews, highlighting the importance of striking the right balance between rigorous scrutiny and constructive collaboration.

Tough Code Reviews

A Valuable Lesson: During my time at one company, code reviews were exceptionally rigorous. Initially, I found them quite challenging, and at times, even took them personally. However, as I grew accustomed to the process and understood its purpose, I realized the value it brought to our team. Managing a complex infrastructure requires utmost care, especially when multiple development teams deploy their business-critical applications. The rigorous code reviews ensured that the platform remained stable and reliable, reducing the chances of unforeseen issues and outages.

Loose Code Reviews

A Lesson Learned: In contrast, at another company, the code reviews were relatively loose, resulting in a number of bugs slipping through the cracks. The absence of subject experts due to sickness or vacation often caused significant problems. It became evident that thorough code reviews are essential to catch potential issues, validate implementation decisions, and maintain a high-quality codebase. The experience taught me the importance of having a process in place that ensures adequate scrutiny, even when the subject matter experts are not readily available.

Striking the Balance

Quality and Collaboration: While the quality of code reviews is undeniably important, it is equally crucial to approach them with a sense of collaboration and respect. There are instances where some reviewers may unnecessarily nitpick or create an unpleasant environment. The primary focus should always be on the product or platform’s betterment, not just on personal critiques. Instead of overwhelming a pull request with a multitude of comments, it can be more effective to have face-to-face discussions or virtual calls to address significant concerns or shortcomings. This approach encourages open dialogue and provides an opportunity for the reviewer and the developer to discuss ideas, alternative solutions, and potential improvements.

Conclusion

Code reviews are an essential part of the software development process, promoting high-quality code, reducing bugs, and ensuring a stable platform. While tough code reviews can initially seem daunting, they serve a vital purpose in maintaining a complex infrastructure. Conversely, loose code reviews can lead to overlooked issues and lower overall code quality. Striking the right balance between rigorous scrutiny and collaborative discussions is crucial. By taking code reviews seriously, caring for the product or platform, and fostering a constructive environment, teams can ensure the development of robust and reliable software.