Let's talk about advanced code review techniques.
Using these methods can make your code cleaner and you and your team faster and smoother.
During reviews, developers mostly just check if there are any problems in the implementation.
Code reviews are opportunities to strengthen your code base and your skills.
Here are the takeaways:
1. Focus on the Logic, Not Just the Code
2. Perform Cross-functional Reviews
3. Prioritize Key Changes for Review
4. Practice Differential Reading
5. Ask "Why" Not Just "What"
6.Blameless Review Culture
7. Rotational Pair Review
Ask yourself if there's a simpler way to solve the problem. Sometimes, a different approach can make the code easier to understand and maintain.
Get people from different teams, like security or testing, to look at the code too. They can spot issues that others might miss. This improves the code because it's checked from many angles.
When you have a lot to review, start with the most important parts. By looking at these first, you make sure the crucial stuff gets the most attention.
Compare the new code with the old version side by side. This helps you see what changed and why. It's like spotting what's different in two pictures, making it easier to catch mistakes or unnecessary changes.
Try to understand the reason behind the code changes. This helps you see if the solution fits the problem well. Knowing the "why" makes it easier to suggest improvements and learn from each decision.
Focus on the code and its improvements, not on the individual who wrote it. This encourages open communication, learning and a positive development environment, reduces defensiveness and fosters a collaborative approach.
Team members take turns pairing with different colleagues for code reviews, exposing them to various coding styles and perspectives. This rotational approach broadens their skills and promotes adaptability within the team.
Remember, code reviews are not about debugging. It's an excellent opportunity to improve the quality of your code base and thereby earn respect from your peers.
Ready to grow? Here are 3 ways I can assist you:
Connect on LinkedIn for daily tips and insights for software engineers.
Subscribe to my Newsletter for no-nonsense productivity tips tailored for developers. Free and impactful.
Check out my Mentorship for personalized guidance on advancing your tech career.