Code Review Best Practices

Transform code review from a gatekeeping burden into a powerful tool for team growth and code quality. This guide presents proven practices that make code review efficient, educational, and enjoyable for both authors and reviewers.

Core principles include focusing on the code, not the coder, providing specific, actionable feedback, balancing nitpicks with substantive issues, and using code review for knowledge transfer. The guide covers optimal PR size and scope, writing helpful descriptions and context, responding professionally to feedback, and knowing when to take discussions offline.

Advanced topics include automating style and format checks, handling disagreements constructively, reviewing for different aspects (correctness, design, performance), and building a culture of mutual respect. It addresses common anti-patterns like perfectionism, rubber-stamping, and adversarial reviews.

By following these practices, teams report faster review cycles, higher code quality, better knowledge distribution, and stronger team relationships. Essential reading for any team looking to optimize their code review process.