The Pull Request Self-Review
The Pull Request Self-Review: A Habit Worth Cultivating
In the fast-paced world of software development, the quality of our code is paramount. As engineers, we strive to deliver robust, bug-free software. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of deadlines and sprints, one crucial step often gets overlooked—the pull request self-review. Having preached the benefits of self-review to junior colleagues numerous times, it’s time to formalize this practice and share its significance with a wider audience.
What is a Pull Request Self-Review?
The concept of a pull request (PR) self-review is straightforward: before submitting your code for peer review, take a moment to critically evaluate your own work. While this may seem like a no-brainer, many development resources neglect to emphasize this vital step. The self-review is not just a cursory glance at your code; it requires a mental shift from creator to critic—a transition that can be more challenging than it appears.
The Importance of Mindset
When reviewing your own code, it’s essential to adopt the mindset of a reviewer. This is not the same as the continuous self-critique that occurs during the coding process. Instead, it’s about stepping back and examining your changes as if they were authored by someone else. You’ll want to consider whether the code is ready for production, looking for potential issues, and asking yourself the tough questions a reviewer might pose.
Switching to this critical perspective can be surprisingly difficult. As a programmer, you often become emotionally attached to your creation, making it hard to see its flaws. Many of us have felt the sting of embarrassment when a reviewer points out an obvious mistake. This experience underscores the need to step outside your own work and evaluate it objectively.
A Personal Anecdote
Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall my college days working at a prestigious wedding venue under the stern eye of a manager named Mark. He maintained high standards, and we respected him for it. However, after a long day of cleaning and setting up, we would invite him to inspect our work. More often than not, he would find glaring oversights—like misplaced glassware or improperly set tables. In those moments, we realized we weren’t truly looking at our work with a critical eye.
To effectively self-review my code, I need to channel that same critical energy Mark had. I must question my assumptions and explore the edge cases. When I manage to do this, the rewards are significant—I frequently uncover mistakes I initially overlooked.
The Challenge of Self-Review
Despite the benefits, I often struggle to fully embrace the critic’s mindset. In my workplace, code reviews are not mandatory, making self-reviews even more crucial. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that sometimes it takes merging the PR for me to finally adopt a critical perspective. There’s something about the finality of merging that jolts me out of complacency and prompts a more thorough examination of my code.
The Benefits of Self-Review
While the pull request self-review may not single-handedly transform your code quality, it plays a vital role in improving it. Engineers who practice self-review tend to take greater responsibility for their work, resulting in fewer bugs and less time spent on revisions. By engaging in self-review, you cultivate a habit of meta-cognition, enabling you to recognize and overcome the cognitive biases that often lead us to overlook our own mistakes.
One insightful comment from a colleague resonates here: “If you are serious about what you do, you do this.” The discomfort of having your lead point out something you should have caught is a powerful motivator. It’s essential to catch those mistakes before they reach someone else’s desk.
Cultivating Great Habits
I often think of a quote I encountered in a subreddit: “I am not a great programmer; I am just a good programmer with great habits.” This sentiment speaks to many of us who may not see ourselves as exceptional but strive to improve through the consistent application of sound practices. The pull request self-review is undoubtedly one of those great habits.
If you aspire to submit flawless PRs that sail smoothly through the review process, I encourage you to make self-review a regular practice. Take the time to look at your work with fresh eyes and a critical mindset. You might be surprised at the bugs you uncover and the improvements you can make.
Conclusion
The pull request self-review is a simple yet powerful practice that can significantly enhance code quality and team efficiency. By cultivating the habit of self-review, you empower yourself to take ownership of your work, reduce the likelihood of embarrassing oversights, and ultimately contribute to the success of your team.
So, the next time you prepare to submit a PR, ask yourself: Have I truly reviewed my own work? Make it a habit, and watch your coding skills soar to new heights.
*Originally published at [thundergolfer.com](https://