How can you improve code review when collaborating with other web developers?

1 Define clear goals

Before you start reviewing or submitting code, you should have a clear idea of what you are trying to achieve and how you will measure success. For example, are you looking for functionality, performance, readability, security, or compatibility? What are the standards and guidelines that you and your team follow? What are the expected outcomes and deliverables of the code? Having clear goals will help you focus your feedback and avoid unnecessary or irrelevant comments.

2 Communicate effectively

Communication is key to any collaboration, and code review is no exception. You should communicate with your peers throughout the code review process, not just at the end. For example, you can use tools like pull requests, issue trackers, or chat apps to discuss the scope, status, and progress of the code. You can also use comments, annotations, or emojis to provide constructive and respectful feedback. You should avoid vague, ambiguous, or sarcastic comments that can cause confusion or conflict.

3 Use automation tools

Code review can be tedious and error-prone if you have to manually check every line of code for syntax, style, or logic errors. You can save time and effort by using automation tools that can perform some of the tasks for you. For example, you can use linters, formatters, or code analyzers to check and enforce code quality, consistency, and standards. You can also use testing tools, such as unit tests, integration tests, or end-to-end tests, to verify the functionality and performance of the code.

4 Seek multiple perspectives

Code review is not only a way to find and fix errors, but also a way to learn and improve your skills. You can benefit from seeking multiple perspectives from different developers who have different levels of experience, expertise, or backgrounds. For example, you can ask for feedback from senior developers who can mentor you and share their insights and best practices. You can also ask for feedback from junior developers who can challenge you and bring fresh ideas and perspectives.

5 Review your own code

Before you submit your code for review, you should review your own code first. This will help you catch any obvious mistakes, improve your code quality, and reduce the number of issues that your peers will have to deal with. You can use a checklist, a code editor, or a tool like Code Climate to review your own code. You can also use the rubber duck method, which involves explaining your code to a rubber duck (or any other object) as if it were a person. This will help you identify any gaps, inconsistencies, or flaws in your logic.

6 Learn from feedback

Code review is not only a way to improve your code, but also a way to improve yourself as a developer. You should learn from the feedback that you receive and apply it to your future code. You should also give feedback to others and help them improve their code. You should treat code review as a collaborative and continuous learning process, not as a one-time or competitive event. By doing so, you will enhance your web development skills, increase your code quality, and build better relationships with your peers.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?