Authors Guide
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will not only improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the review process but also help create a culture of collaboration and shared knowledge within your team. Let’s dive into the key practices that will empower you as a code review author!
Step 1: Prepare Your Changes
Fork the Repository
If you haven’t already, create a fork of the main repository to your GitHub account. This allows you to make changes without affecting the original codebase.
On the main repository page, click the “Fork” button in the upper right.
Clone Your Fork Locally
Clone the forked repository to your local machine to work on it.
Work in a Separate Branch
Always create a new branch for your feature, bug fix, or improvement. This keeps the main branch clean and allows for easier collaboration.
git checkout -b feature/my-awesome-featureWrite Clean Code
Follow coding standards and best practices as you develop your code. Ensure that your code is easy to read and maintain.
Testing
Before submitting your PR, thoroughly test your code to ensure it functions as expected. Consider edge cases and input validations.
Documentation
Update any relevant documentation related to your changes. This could include comments in the code, README files, and other relevant documentation.
Step 2: Create a Pull Request
Open a Pull Request
Once your changes are complete and tested, navigate to your repository on GitHub and select “Pull requests,” then “New pull request.”
Select the Right Branch
Choose the base branch (e.g., main or master) and your feature branch to compare.
Provide a Descriptive Title
Write a clear, concise title that summarizes the changes made (e.g., “Add user authentication feature”).
Write a Detailed Description
- Explain the purpose of the changes.
- Describe how the changes were implemented.
- Mention any issues or tickets related to the PR.
- Summarize any potential impacts on existing code or functionality.
Set PR to Draft (Optional)
If your PR is not yet ready for thorough review (e.g., still pending testing or final touches), you can mark it as a draft.
Step 3: Assign Reviewers
Choose Reviewers
Assign at least two reviewers based on their expertise and familiarity with the code area. If applicable, you can also assign a team of reviewers to ensure diverse perspectives and thorough feedback.
Notify Reviewers
Optionally, add a comment tagging the reviewers to let them know their input is requested.
Post on Slack
Post and link to the pull request (PR) in the relevant Slack channel to notify the team.
Step 4: Actively Engage
Be Available for Questions
After submitting the PR, be ready to engage with reviewers. Answer their questions or clarify any aspects of your code.
Monitor Feedback
Keep an eye on the comments and discussions. Reviewers may provide feedback that you need to address.
Step 5: Address Feedback
Review Comments Carefully
Once your reviewers have left comments, read through them thoroughly to understand the suggestions or concerns.
Make Necessary Changes
- Adjust your code based on valid feedback.
- If you disagree with a suggestion, explain your reasoning in response to the comment.
Respond to Each Comment
For every piece of feedback, provide a response. If you’ve made changes, let reviewers know. If you didn’t implement a suggestion, explain why.
Address Feedback Timely
Aim to address reviewer feedback as quickly as possible. This helps maintain the context of the PR for both you and the reviewers, making it easier for them to re-review your changes. Delays in addressing feedback can lead to a situation where a re-review takes as long as the initial review, which can disrupt the overall workflow.
Re-Test Your Code
After making changes, re-test your code to ensure that it still functions correctly.
Step 6: Finalize the PR
Notify Reviewers for Re-Review
If significant changes were made, notify your reviewers that the PR is ready for a final look. You can change the status from draft to “Ready for Review.”
Wait for Approval
Be patient as reviewers conduct their final review. If they approve, you can proceed to merge the PR.
Step 7: Merge the Pull Request
Follow Team Protocol
Once approved, follow your team’s guidelines for merging the PR (e.g., squash and merge, rebase).
Resolve Conflicts
If there are merge conflicts, resolve them in your local branch and update the PR.
Step 8: Post-Merge Cleanup
Delete the Feature Branch
After merging, delete your feature branch to keep the repository tidy (if your team’s policy allows for it).
git branch -d feature/my-awesome-featureUpdate Documentation
If necessary, ensure that all related documentation is updated to reflect any changes made in the code.
Reflect on the Process
After the PR merge, take a moment to consider what went well and identify any areas for improvement in your coding or review process for future PRs.