First, let's define what a code review is. In software development, a code review is a process in which a developer's code is reviewed and discussed by one or more colleagues before it is merged into the main codebase. The goal of a code review is to catch bugs, ensure code quality, and maintain standards and conventions within the codebase. Code reviews can be done using a variety of methods, including face-to-face meetings, online tools, or a combination of both.
Code Reviews for Onboarding and Learning in a New Position
So, why are code reviews a great tool for quickly learning in a new position? There are a few key reasons:
#1 - Exposure to a wide range of code and systems
Code reviews expose you to a wide range of code and systems. When you are new to a team or organization, it can be overwhelming to try and learn about all of the different codebases, systems, and tools that are in use. Code reviews allow you to see how these different systems and tools are being used and how they fit together within the overall architecture of the company. This can be especially helpful if you are working on a large, complex project with many dependencies.
#2 - Learning about the business domain
Code reviews help you learn about the business domain and the problems the company is trying to solve. Code reviews often include discussions about the business requirements and goals of a particular piece of code. This can give you insight into the business domain and the problems the company is trying to solve. For example, if you are reviewing code for an e-commerce platform, you may learn about how the platform handles payment processing, customer accounts, and order fulfillment.
#3 - See the tech stack in action
Code reviews can help you learn about the tech stack and libraries in use. When reviewing code, you will see what tools, libraries, and frameworks are being used to build the software. This can give you a good overview of the tech stack and help you understand what technologies and languages are in use. It can also help you identify any gaps in your own knowledge and give you an idea of what areas you should focus on learning more about.
#4 - Learning directly from the experienced engineers
Code reviews allow you to ask questions and learn from experienced team members. One of the best ways to learn is by asking questions, and code reviews provide an opportunity to do just that. When reviewing code, you may come across something that you don't understand or that you think could be improved. By asking questions and discussing the code with your colleagues, you can learn more about how the code works, why certain decisions were made, and what best practices are in place.
How to make the most of code reviews as a newcomer?
Now that we've explored the benefits of code reviews for onboarding, let's look at some practical tips for making the most of them as a newcomer to a team or organization.
#1 - Be proactive and ask for reviews (more is better)
Be proactive in asking for code reviews. As a new member of a team, it can be intimidating to ask for code reviews, especially if you are unsure of your own abilities. However, code reviews are a great opportunity to learn, so don't be afraid to ask for them. If you are working on a task and don't know who to ask for a review, start by asking your manager or a more experienced team member.
#2 - Be open to feedback
Be open to feedback and take the time to understand it. Code reviews can be intimidating, especially if you are new to a team or organization. It's natural to feel defensive when someone points out mistakes or suggests changes to your code. However, it's important to remember that code reviews are meant to help improve the quality of the code and the overall project. So, try to be open to feedback and take the time to understand it. If you don't understand something that was pointed out in the review, don't be afraid to ask for clarification.
#3 - Learn from more experienced team members
Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from more experienced team members. Code reviews are a great opportunity to learn from more experienced team members. Pay attention to their comments and questions, and try to understand their perspective. You may find that you learn more from the code review process itself than you do from the actual code.
#4- Ask questions
Don't be afraid to ask questions. As mentioned earlier, code reviews provide an opportunity to ask questions and learn from your colleagues. If you come across something that you don't understand or that you think could be improved, don't be afraid to ask questions. Your colleagues will be happy to help you understand and will appreciate that you are taking the time to learn and improve.
#5- Do peer code reviews
Consider doing peer code reviews. In addition to receiving code reviews from more experienced team members, consider offering to review the code of your peers, even if you are not comfortable doing it in the beginning. This can be a great way to learn from each other and help improve the quality of the codebase. When reviewing your peers' code, try to approach it with a constructive and supportive attitude.
In conclusion, code reviews can be a valuable tool for quickly learning about the business domain, tools, tech stack, and libraries in a new position. By being proactive in asking for code reviews, being open to feedback, and taking advantage of the opportunity to learn from more experienced team members, you can make the most of this valuable resource. As you continue to learn and grow in your new position, be sure to pay it forward by offering to review the code of your peers and helping them to learn and improve as well.