10 Tips on How to Write Useful, Constructive, and Kind Comments During Code Review

The Red Hat blog article discusses ten tips for developers who need to review code they do not agree with. The author starts by emphasizing that code critique should be constructive and focused on improvement rather than personal judgments about the author. The first principle is to focus on the issues within the code itself instead of the person who wrote it. Another tip is to show empathy, as every developer has their reasons for the decisions they make in their code. It’s also best practice to understand the context behind the code before making assessments, which aids in grasping the choices made by the original coder.

Further tips involve asking open-ended questions to delve deeper into the author's intentions and avoiding a confrontational atmosphere during reviews. Discussing coding style preferences and standards is also crucial to prevent misunderstandings. The article stresses the importance of consistency in discussing code flaws, as it facilitates better communication among developers. When misunderstandings arise, it is advisable to revisit the issue and propose alternative solutions that benefit all parties.

In the final points, the author encourages cultivating a culture where code reviews are seen as a joint learning initiative rather than a test. Fostering mutual relationships and open communication is vital in this process. Constructive criticism should be viewed as an opportunity for growth, not just for the code author but equally for the reviewer.

In conclusion, the article highlights that code reviewing is an essential process that can be more productive if grounded in mutual understanding and empathy. Developers should aspire for reviews to be an opportunity for learning, allowing everyone involved to grow and achieve better results in their work.

Implementing these proposed tips in daily practice can significantly enhance the atmosphere in a developer team and contribute to the improvement of software quality. Therefore, each developer, regardless of their experience level, should pay attention to these valuable pieces of advice during code reviews, whether reviewing others' code or inviting feedback on their own.