How can a software developer work on critically reviewing their own code?

Summary

In this video, Frederick discusses how software developers can critically review their own code. He emphasizes the challenge of self-assessment and the importance of detaching from one's code. By inviting feedback from teammates early in the development process, particularly through informal discussions or 'rubber ducking,' developers can receive more valuable insights. He also stresses the significance of team cohesion, sharing knowledge, and simplifying code for better efficiency. The key takeaway is that honest, early feedback, along with collaboration, improves both the quality of code and the development process overall.

Takeaways

• 😀 It's difficult to objectively review your own code because you're attached to it and it's familiar to you.
• 😀 Working solo can make it harder to critically evaluate your own code, while team collaboration accelerates the review process.
• 😀 Establishing a disconnection between yourself and your code early on helps you be more objective during reviews.
• 😀 Inviting others to provide feedback early, even before pull requests, allows for more valuable insights.
• 😀 Rubber ducking, or explaining your code to others, is an effective way to refine your thought process and receive feedback.
• 😀 It's important to foster a good relationship with your co-workers to encourage frequent, constructive feedback on your code.
• 😀 Relying only on pull requests for feedback can be inefficient since feedback quality can vary and is often brief or superficial.
• 😀 Face-to-face or video conversations about code are more valuable than written feedback because they allow for deeper discussions.
• 😀 Collaboration and open communication among team members improves both the quality of code and domain knowledge.
• 😀 Avoid falling in love with your own code; code should be seen as a tool to achieve a goal, not something to be overly proud of.
• 😀 Focus on making code simple, maintainable, and efficient rather than trying to create clever solutions that introduce complexity.

Q & A

Why is it difficult for developers to review their own code objectively?

It's difficult because as the creator, the code makes sense to you, and you're less likely to see alternative solutions or flaws. This creates a challenge in evaluating whether the code is the best possible solution.

How can working in a team help with reviewing code?

Working in a team provides external feedback, which helps developers see their code from a different perspective. The input from team members can highlight areas for improvement that might not be apparent to the individual developer.

What is the difference between code reviews through pull requests and face-to-face discussions?

Pull requests often provide limited feedback, with some developers approving without detailed analysis. In contrast, face-to-face or video call discussions allow for more detailed, real-time feedback and offer the chance to explain your thought process.

What is the 'rubber duck' method, and why is it useful for developers?

The 'rubber duck' method involves explaining your code and thought process to another person, even if they don't provide direct feedback. This helps clarify your thinking and can reveal problems or alternative solutions you might not have considered.

What does the speaker mean by 'detaching yourself from your code'?

Detaching from your code means viewing it not as something personal but as a tool to solve a problem. This helps you assess the code more objectively and focus on making it effective and efficient rather than just satisfying your initial vision.

Why is simplicity important in code according to the speaker?

Simplicity ensures that the code is easy to maintain, debug, and extend. The speaker suggests that developers should avoid overly complex solutions that complicate their work and the project in the long run.

How can having good relationships with your team help in reviewing your code?

When you establish relationships with your team, it's easier to have open discussions about your code. These informal, frequent interactions lead to more valuable feedback and foster a collaborative environment.

What does the speaker mean by 'the part of writing code shouldn't be all that exciting'?

Writing code should be a process of solving a problem efficiently. If writing the code is too exciting or complicated, it might indicate that the solution isn't as simple and maintainable as it should be.

Why does the speaker emphasize early communication and feedback in the development process?

Early communication allows for more frequent, informal feedback before the formal review stage. This can prevent misunderstandings and help ensure that the code is heading in the right direction, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.

What is the role of domain knowledge in writing effective code?

Domain knowledge helps developers understand the problem they are solving, ensuring that the code they write addresses the right issue. It also enables them to make better design decisions and improve the overall quality of the software.