The software is worthless if it doesn’t comply with the quality standards. Sprinkling software with glitz and glamour is not enough to make it worthwhile. Developers try to ensure quality in software development projects by various methods. Professionals guarantee bug-free and maintainable software by performing code reviews, early bug testing, optimizing automated testing, documenting, and implementing cross-browser testing. Technology is a never-ending saga, and everyday developers attempt to go beyond their expertise to create something more spectacular than before. Figuring out how to incorporate new features is only half the work. The software undergoes several screening tests to be deemed fit for public use. At this stage, code review becomes necessary. A second opinion is always valuable. According to research, 67.66% of developers consult their superiors to provide insights before incorporating a code into the existing codebase.
Implementation of a Software Quality Management System
All the companies that deliver software development facilities apply the process of Software Quality Management to provide their customers with excellent software. At Scalex, professionals ensure software quality by planning thoroughly, reviewing codes, and taking control measures whenever necessary.
Code Review and Its Types
Code reviewers are the mechanics of software systems. Their job is to test codes in every way possible and make them readable, maintainable, and standardized. They also sniff out any bugs or errors that might threaten to invade the software. It is possible to perform code reviews in various ways, as listed below.
Traditional Reviewing Method
In the olden day, developers used this method to ensure software quality. The developers made a checklist of all the potential problems and used predefined criteria to declare the software flawless. This method was effective but took way too much time and energy.
Pair Programming
Pair programming is valid when making different codes. Two developers work alongside to produce quality codes. This method takes less time because one programmer develops programming codes, and the other double-checks them in real time. This technique is practical when dealing with complex program codes because they require more attention and scrutiny.
Tool-Assisted Code Reviews
In this technique, developers use software to check the authenticity of another software. This software identifies syntax errors and code smells, ensures coding standards, and measures code coverage. Developers usually use GitHub, Mercurial, and Apache Subversion, some famous code-reviewing tools.
Lightweight Code Reviews
This technique is an antagonist to the formal code-reviewing strategy, so we can also call it an informal code-reviewing method. Lightweight reviews are shorter and focus on detecting major bugs rather than the finer details of the code. Code viewers collectively go through the program codes, identify bugs, and suggest corrective measures simultaneously.
Over-the-shoulder Code Reviews
This technique is beneficial for transferring knowledge and training junior developers. Senior developers overlook the work of junior developers and provide insights. This way, the problem is nipped in the bud, and it takes less time to market the software.
Self-Review
Some developers go through their work before submitting it for formal review. Self-review allows them to catch blatant mistakes and reevaluate their performance.
Continuous Integration Code Reviews
CI code reviews are automated and work like grammar-checking tools. It detects mistakes early on and signals the developer to rectify the misstep. The immediate and continuous feedback helps developers produce bug-free software and deploy quality data to formal reviewers.
How is Code Review Helpful in Ensuring Quality Software
Program codes go through various code-reviewing tactics that ensure purity. Code reviewers are skilled developers who scan the coding files with hawk eyes. They use an amalgam of code-reviewing types and only let quality data go to market. The following sections discuss some of the expertise of code reviewers.
Bug Extraction
No matter how clean a code a developer forms, bugs are inevitable. Reviewers eliminate these bugs and any other potential vulnerabilities through critical examination. By extracting these bugs in the reviewing phase, developers prevent bugs from reaching end-users and help save resources in the long run.
Keepers of Quality
Software developers play a crucial role by ensuring that the quality of the software is not compromised. They are the watchmen who scrutinize everything closely. In addition to identifying potential problems, they provide feedback so developers can fix them and obtain clean, maintainable, and readable code.
Source of Knowledge and Training
Code reviews provide ample opportunities to channel valuable knowledge from experts to juniors. Juniors can rectify their malpractices and gain insights into best practices and industry standards. The benefits of code reviews extend not only to junior developers but also to senior developers. Fresh minds contain innovation and refreshing point-of-views. This collaborative learning fosters growth and understanding among the team members.
Enforcing Consistency
Sometimes various developers work on different aspects of the same software. Code reviews ensure that all developers use the same coding style and language to avoid complexities. Similar work can be shared among developers, increasing productivity and collaboration.
Welcome Creativity
Code reviews allow for discussions and new ideas. Developers join hands to explore multiple solutions and approaches. Encouraging people to pitch their ideas leads to effective communication and constructive criticism.
Complications Encountered During Code Review
Just like every coin has two faces, so does code reviewing. Formerly, we discussed the pros of code reviews, but it has some complications also. It is a relatively lengthy process, and things may seem overwhelming in times of heavy workload. Time restraints may lead to the skimming of program codes, causing damage to the whole software. Everyone can claim to be an expert, and choosing the right person is crucial. Different developers have varying levels of thoughtfulness and attention to detail, which can affect the review process. Despite the drawbacks, code reviews are 80% effective in identifying and rectifying bugs. The weightage of the pros is more than the cons, which is enough to convince business persons to get their software codes reviewed before launching.
