What are some ways to encourage knowledge sharing during code reviews?

Code reviews are an essential part of software development, as they help improve the quality, readability, and maintainability of the code. However, code reviews are not only about finding bugs and errors, but also about sharing knowledge and learning from each other. How can you foster a culture of knowledge sharing during code reviews? Here are some ways to do that.

1 Ask questions

One of the best ways to encourage knowledge sharing during code reviews is to ask questions. Questions can help you understand the rationale behind the code, the design choices, the trade-offs, and the assumptions. Questions can also spark discussions, feedback, and suggestions that can enrich the code and the developers. When asking questions, be respectful, curious, and constructive. Avoid accusatory, sarcastic, or vague questions that can undermine the trust and collaboration.

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Nermine Slimane

Software Engineering Consultant | Partnering with Companies to Build Scalable Solutions, Streamline Development, and Empower High-Performing Teams | Advocate for Leadership and Innovation
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Completely and totally agree ! Asking questions during code reviews is like turning on a spotlight in a dark room – it helps everyone see what’s going on. It's not just about finding mistakes, but also getting into the coder's head to understand their thought process. This can lead to great discussions that improve the code and everyone working on it. When you ask questions, do it with a spirit of teamwork. Aim to be clear, kind, and focused on making the code better together. It's about building each other up, not tearing each other down.

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Hadi Halim, Ph.D.
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Set communication path for future (intro call, random 5 min explanation, random person explaining the project, random person demoing) After some iteration, preferably this develop into comfort of contributing in the meeting. One step at a time!

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JIMMY LEE

Community Top Voice | Tech Enthusiast | Innovative and Strategic | High-impact Performer
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Have open dialogue to ask open-ended questions, create detailed documentation, hold regular meetings to discuss issues or share knowledge through workshops/sessions, rotate responsibilities to allow members access to different parts of the code, and encourage continuous learning.

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2 Share tips and resources

Another way to encourage knowledge sharing during code reviews is to share tips and resources that can help the author or the reviewer improve their skills, knowledge, or productivity. For example, you can share a useful tool, library, framework, or pattern that can solve a problem, simplify a task, or enhance a feature. You can also share a blog post, a video, a book, or a course that can explain a concept, demonstrate a technique, or provide a best practice. When sharing tips and resources, be relevant, concise, and supportive. Avoid overwhelming, distracting, or imposing your preferences.

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3 Use code examples

A third way to encourage knowledge sharing during code reviews is to use code examples to illustrate your points, suggestions, or alternatives. Code examples can help you communicate more clearly, show how to apply a principle, or compare different solutions. Code examples can also help you learn from each other, as you can see different approaches, styles, and techniques. When using code examples, use the

tag to format them properly, be consistent with the code style and conventions, and explain the logic and the benefits.
###### Give praise and recognition
A fourth way to encourage knowledge sharing during code reviews is to give praise and recognition to the author or the reviewer for their work, effort, or contribution. Praise and recognition can help you build rapport, confidence, and motivation. They can also help you acknowledge the value, quality, or impact of the code or the feedback. When giving praise and recognition, be specific, sincere, and timely. Avoid generic, exaggerated, or delayed compliments that can lose their meaning or effect.
###### Seek feedback and improvement
A fifth way to encourage knowledge sharing during code reviews is to seek feedback and improvement from the author or the reviewer. Feedback and improvement can help you grow as a developer, learn from your mistakes, and refine your code. They can also help you foster a culture of continuous learning, experimentation, and innovation. When seeking feedback and improvement, be open, humble, and proactive. Avoid being defensive, arrogant, or passive.
###### Follow up and follow through
A sixth way to encourage knowledge sharing during code reviews is to follow up and follow through on the comments, suggestions, or actions that emerge from the code review. Follow up and follow through can help you ensure that the code review is effective, productive, and meaningful. They can also help you maintain the communication, collaboration, and trust among the developers. When following up and follow through, be responsive, responsible, and transparent. Avoid ignoring, delaying, or hiding the outcomes or the issues.
######Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Dishant Kumar Kushwaha

Senior SDE || Seasoned Java Spring Boot Engineer | DevOps | Python Automation | Cloud Migration
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Ways can be - - Be attentive and cooperative - Always give or take feedback - Ask questions (it shows you are attentive and you are interested) - Give suggestions on anything you want about what/how/why/etc. - Acknowledgement

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What are some ways to encourage knowledge sharing during code reviews?

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1 Ask questions

2 Share tips and resources

3 Use code examples

Software Development

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What are some ways to encourage knowledge sharing during code reviews?

1

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3

1 Ask questions

2 Share tips and resources

3 Use code examples

Software Development

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