I still remember the first time someone reviewed my code. I had just submitted my very first pull request at my new dev job and was feeling pretty proud of myself. Within hours, comments started rolling in – ranging from minor formatting tweaks to polite-but-painful questions like, “Was this line intentional?” or the ever-haunting, “Can you explain the reasoning behind this approach?” My heart sank a little. But once the sting wore off (and I realized no one was trying to crush my soul), I saw the comments for what they really were: opportunities to learn, improve, and write better code. It turns out, code reviews aren’t personal, they’re professional. And with the right mindset, they’re actually one of the fastest ways to level up as a developer. (And yes, I fixed that questionable line.)
In this post, we’re diving into code reviews: what they are, why they matter, and how to get the most out of them whether you’re the reviewer or the reviewee. We’ll break down the core purpose of code reviews and share battle-tested tips to help you navigate the process like a pro. Whether you’re submitting your first PR or trying to offer constructive feedback without sounding like a robot, this guide is here to help you go from zero to review hero.
PR-etty Important: Why Code Reviews Matter More Than You Think
A code review is the process of having another developer (or a team) examine your code before it gets merged into a shared codebase. This can happen through pull requests (PRs) on platforms like GitHub or GitLab, or even more informal peer-to-peer reviews during pair programming. The goal isn’t to nitpick or flex seniority, it’s to catch issues early, share knowledge, and help everyone write better, more maintainable code.
So why is this such a big deal? For starters, code reviews help improve code quality. A second set of eyes can catch bugs, logic errors, or edge cases that you might have missed. They also encourage consistency in style and structure across the team, which becomes increasingly important as projects grow. No one wants to dig through a spaghetti pile of mismatched functions written in six different styles (unless you’re into that sort of chaos).
But code reviews do more than just polish the code, they build up the developers. Reviewing and receiving feedback helps you grow your technical communication skills, exposes you to different approaches and solutions, and promotes a stronger team culture of collaboration and accountability. Over time, you’ll notice patterns in the feedback you receive (hello, off-by-one errors) and start internalizing best practices without even realizing it.
In short, code reviews are less about pointing fingers and more about building bridges between developers, between teams, and between good code and great code. Whether you’re a junior dev just getting started or a seasoned contributor, code reviews are a powerful way to learn, improve, and ship better software together.
Review Crew: How to Be the Code Reviewer Everyone Wants
Being a code reviewer is more than scanning for typos or catching missing semicolons. It’s about helping your teammate deliver better code while maintaining a positive, productive environment. If you’re new to reviewing, don’t worry – you don’t need to be the most senior dev in the room to give a good review. What you do need is a curious mindset, a bit of empathy, and a clear approach.
Start by reading for understanding, not just correctness. Try to get a sense of what the code is doing and why. Does the logic make sense? Are there better, simpler ways to achieve the same result? If you’re unclear about something, ask questions rather than assuming it’s wrong. A comment like “Could you clarify why this function checks for null here?” opens a dialogue instead of shutting it down. Aim to be curious, not critical.
Next, be mindful of the tone and structure of your feedback. Use positive framing where you can, and balance critique with encouragement. Point out what was done well in addition to what could be improved. For example: “Nice use of destructuring here – super clean. One suggestion: consider adding error handling in case the API response fails.” The goal is to build trust and make the process feel collaborative, not adversarial.
Finally, remember that code reviews are not personal performance reviews. Stay focused on the code, not the coder. Avoid vague comments like “this is bad” and instead be specific and constructive: “This loop works, but it could be more efficient using a map instead of filter + forEach.” And if you’re ever unsure, it’s okay to say so. Code reviews are a two-way learning opportunity, even for the reviewer.
By approaching reviews with empathy, clarity, and intention, you not only help improve the codebase, you help strengthen your team. Think of yourself less like a gatekeeper and more like a guide. The best reviewers aren’t just good at finding issues; they’re great at helping others grow.
Keep Calm and PR On: How to Survive and Thrive as a Reviewee”
Submitting your code for review can feel a bit like sending your diary out for public critique – vulnerable, nerve-wracking, and slightly dramatic. But here’s the secret: code reviews are not about proving your worth as a developer. They’re about collaborating to improve the codebase and grow as a team. When approached with the right mindset, reviews can be one of the most valuable parts of your workflow.
Before you even hit “Create Pull Request,” take a moment to review your own code. Give it a once-over with fresh eyes. Is it readable? Are there any logs or commented-out code that should be removed? Are your variable names clear? A little self-review can reduce back-and-forth and help your reviewers focus on the deeper stuff. Bonus points if you include a short summary or context in the PR description to make their lives easier.
Once the feedback starts rolling in, embrace it with curiosity instead of defensiveness. Even if the comments feel nitpicky or if a suggestion contradicts your original thinking, take a breath before responding. Ask yourself: Does this make the code better? Can I learn from this? If you disagree, it’s totally fine to discuss it – just do so respectfully and with the goal of improving the outcome. Think of the comments as teammates offering you a new lens, not a red pen marking you up.
Finally, follow up thoughtfully. A “Fixed in latest commit, thanks!” goes a long way to show collaboration and appreciation. If the conversation around a piece of feedback gets complex, consider jumping on a quick call or screen share to resolve it. And once everything is good to go, celebrate a little. Merging that PR is a small but mighty win.
Approaching code reviews with humility, communication, and a learning mindset turns them from a chore into a career superpower. Every review is a chance to grow, level up your code, and become a better teammate.
Catch Bugs, Not Feelings: What to Watch for in a Code Review
Code reviews are more than just a thumbs-up to merge. They are a quality control checkpoint, a mentorship moment, and a collaborative feedback loop all rolled into one. Whether you are the one giving the review or receiving it, knowing what to focus on can transform a tedious task into a rewarding one. Let’s dig into what you should consider during a code review from both sides of the screen.
As a Reviewer, Consider:
You are not just checking for typos. Your role is to help improve code quality, share knowledge, and build team trust. Focus on:
- Correctness: Does the code do what it is supposed to do? Are edge cases and error states handled properly?
- Readability: Can someone else understand what the code is doing without needing a decoding ring?
- Style Consistency: Does the code follow your team’s style guide or formatting conventions?
- Testing: Are there relevant unit or integration tests? Do they actually test useful things?
- Security and Performance: Are there any potential vulnerabilities or performance bottlenecks?
- Scope Creep: Does the code strictly address the purpose of the pull request? (If you’re fixing a button, we don’t need a database redesign.)
As a Reviewee, Consider:
Getting your code reviewed is not about defending your honor. It is about improving your work and making collaboration smoother. Keep an eye on:
- Clarity: Have you made your changes easy to understand? Clear naming, concise logic, and helpful comments go a long way.
- Documentation: Did you explain the “why” behind your changes, either in comments or the PR description?
- Completeness: Is your feature or fix fully implemented and tested? Did you forget to commit something? (We’ve all been there.)
- Response to Feedback: Are you open to suggestions? Collaborative growth > ego defense.
- Commit Hygiene: Are your commits clean and focused? Each one should represent a meaningful step.
Thinking about code reviews as a thoughtful conversation rather than a courtroom makes the entire process more enjoyable and productive. The more intentional you are on both sides of the table, the more your codebase (and your team) will thank you.
The Last Look: Your Code Review Closing Statement
Code reviews are more than just a checkbox in the development process; they are a vital part of writing better, more maintainable software. By understanding what code reviews are, why they matter, and how to approach them both as a reviewer and reviewee, you set yourself and your team up for success. We explored practical tips, what to look out for during reviews, and how to turn feedback into growth. Remember, code reviews are a collaboration designed to catch bugs, improve quality, and foster knowledge sharing.
Be sure to swing by regularly for more posts in this series where we’ll dive into topics like CI/CD pipelines, refactoring strategies, database management, the software development lifecycle, and handy development tools. Stay curious, keep coding, and see you in the next post!