How to Make Code Reviews a Collaborative and Constructive Experience

The primary objective of a code review is to enhance code quality, not to engage in personal attacks or degradation. Properly framed comments and a positive mindset can make all the difference in ensuring that code reviews remain productive and professional.

Setting the Tone

The tone you set during a code review is crucial. Rather than focusing on attacking someone personally, aim to improve the code and foster a collaborative atmosphere. Imperative statements can come across as confrontational and insincere. Opt for questions and recommendations instead. For example, instead of saying, "Do this instead of this," which sounds imperative and can be perceived as rude, try saying, "What if yyy throws an exception here?" or "Would it be better to do xxx?"

Providing Concrete and Valuable Feedback

When providing feedback, it's essential to be specific and offer actionable suggestions. Copy-paste snippets of code in comments if they can offer a more concise and effective alternative. Be mindful of the impact of your feedback and ensure that it is relevant and beneficial. Here's an example of effective feedback:

If we use the `filter` method here instead of the `for` loop, the code will be more readable and maintainable. Would it make sense to refactor this section?

Handling Criticism and Personal Triggers

Not everyone handles criticism in a professional manner. There will always be people who focus more on how information is delivered than on the information itself. Some individuals may not be able to handle legitimate criticism with maturity. Additionally, there are those who have not learned to manage their personal triggers and expect others to manage them as well. In such cases, engineering might not be the right career path for them.

Engineering often involves high stakes, from medical devices where bugs can lead to fatalities, to autonomous robots that could cause significant harm, to financial systems that could result in substantial financial losses. Engineers are entrusted with a tremendous responsibility. Therefore, during critical reviews, they should leave their personal issues and biases at the door.

Tips for Effective Code Reviews

To ensure that your code reviews remain effective, consider the following tips:

Target Specific Issues: Address concrete issues and provide specific feedback. Avoid general comments that do not contribute to the improvement of the code. Stay Objective: Leave personal opinions and biases aside. Focus on the code and ensure that your comments are constructive and helpful. Be Proactive: If you lack the experience to provide meaningful feedback, consider pairing with a more experienced team member to learn from their perspective. Consider the Reciprocity: Keep in mind that the developers will likely review your code as well. Provide feedback with the understanding that you will also be evaluated. Identify Petty Comments: If you must make a petty or side comment, explicitly note it as such and ensure it is not detracting from more crucial feedback.

In conclusion, code reviews should serve as a collaborative effort aimed at improving code quality and fostering a supportive environment. By focusing on constructive feedback and maintaining a professional demeanor, you can contribute to a more positive and productive development process.