Code Review Guidelines
Welcome to the code review process for the CDCgov/IDWA project. Code reviews are essential for maintaining code quality, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaboration among team members. Please consider these guidelines to ensure effective and constructive code reviews.
Goals of Code Reviews
- Identify bugs and potential issues early in the development process.
- Ensure code adheres to project standards, best practices, and coding conventions.
- Share knowledge and encourage learning among team members.
- Improve the overall quality and maintainability of the codebase.
Before Reviewing Code
Before starting the code review process, make sure to:
- Read the summary in full to understand the purpose and scope of the changes.
- Review any relevant documentation or design specifications linked in the summary.
During the Review
During the code review process, keep the following in mind:
- Be Respectful: Use a friendly and respectful tone in your comments.
- Focus on the Code: Base your comments and suggestions on the code itself, not the author.
- Be Constructive: Provide specific feedback and suggestions for improvement.
- Ask Questions: If something is unclear or seems inconsistent, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
- Offer Alternatives: Instead of just pointing out problems, suggest alternative approaches or solutions.
- Consider Readability: Ensure the code is easy to read, understand, and maintain.
- Check for Edge Cases: Verify that the code handles edge cases, error conditions, and boundary scenarios.
- Review Test Coverage: Check if the code is adequately tested and whether new tests are needed.
- Validate Security: Look for potential security vulnerabilities and ensure sensitive data is handled securely.
Providing Feedback
When providing feedback on a pull request, consider using the following templates to structure your comments:
- Positive Feedback: Highlight what was done well and why it’s effective.
- Constructive Criticism: Identify areas for improvement and suggest specific changes.
- Questions: Seek clarification on unclear or ambiguous parts of the code.
- Suggestions: Offer alternative approaches or solutions to the problem.
After the Review
After completing the code review, ensure that:
- All review comments have been addressed satisfactorily.
- The code meets the project requirements and standards.
- Tests pass successfully, and any new tests have been added.
- The changes are well-documented and explained where necessary.
Conclusion
Thank you for your dedication to maintaining code quality through code reviews. By following these guidelines and collaborating effectively with your team members, we can continue to deliver high-quality software that meets our users’ needs.
Happy reviewing!