Your team is divided on code review frequency. How can you find common ground?

2 Set Objectives

Common ground can be found by setting clear objectives for the code review process. These should focus on improving code quality, identifying bugs, and fostering knowledge sharing among team members. By agreeing on what you aim to achieve, it becomes easier to determine how often reviews should take place. If the goal is to minimize bugs, more frequent reviews could be justified. Conversely, if the objective is to enhance learning, spacing out reviews might allow for more substantial individual development.

3 Flexible Scheduling

Flexibility in scheduling code reviews can accommodate the preferences of different team members. Some may prefer to integrate reviews into their daily routine, while others might find weekly or bi-weekly sessions more productive. Implementing a flexible schedule that allows for both regular check-ins and in-depth sessions can cater to varying work styles and ensure that code reviews are both thorough and unobtrusive.

4 Review Quality

Focusing on the quality of code reviews rather than their frequency can help to bridge the gap between differing opinions. A well-conducted review, even if less frequent, can be more beneficial than superficial daily checks. Encourage team members to prepare thoroughly for each session, provide constructive feedback, and use the time effectively. This emphasis on quality ensures that when reviews do happen, they provide maximum value.

5 Feedback Loop

Establishing a feedback loop where team members can share their experiences with the review process is vital. This feedback can help identify what is working well and what needs adjustment. If frequent reviews are causing burnout, consider scaling back. Alternatively, if infrequent reviews are leading to a backlog of issues, it might be time to increase their regularity. This ongoing conversation keeps the process dynamic and responsive to the team's needs.