The Art of Code Review: Best Practices

Sarah Morris O’Keefe
Women in Technology
3 min readDec 5, 2023

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Code reviews, often considered the unsung heroes of software development, play a crucial role in shaping the quality and maintainability of codebases. Beyond ensuring that the syntax is correct, code reviews provide an opportunity for team members to share knowledge, catch potential issues early, and maintain a consistent coding style. The art of conducting effective code reviews lies not just in identifying bugs but in fostering a collaborative environment where developers learn from each other. In this exploration of the best practices in code reviews, we’ll delve into key strategies that elevate the code review process from a routine task to a dynamic and valuable aspect of software development.

Best Practices for Reviewing Code:

  1. Focus on Small, Focused Changes: Keep code reviews manageable by concentrating on small, well-defined changes. This allows reviewers to thoroughly understand the modifications without becoming overwhelmed. It’s not just about scrutinizing; it’s about understanding and refining.
  2. Provide Specific and Actionable Feedback: Elevate your reviews from mere bug-spotting to a mentoring session. Offer feedback that’s not just about pointing out issues but guiding with actionable insights. The goal is to cultivate a culture of continual improvement. Instead of generic comments, offer…

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Sarah Morris O’Keefe
Women in Technology

Software Engineer @ iHeartRadio // Writing + Tech + Music + Mindfulness + Reading + Gaming // https://okeefesarah.com