Code review is an essential part of software development for optimised and trouble-free source code. When writing program code there will almost always be errors that can only be found with additional controls through specific software testing.
Once the first code review has been done by the responsible developer themselves, an additional assessment by one or more testers is recommended since there are often many more errors to be found. Extensive studies show that between 20 and 60 percent of all expected errors in the development phase can be purged with a well-conducted code review.
This is much cheaper than if you wait until the alpha or beta phase to identify the errors, because at this stage the software project is already very far advanced.
A code review finds these standard errors
A tester in charge of a code review will test the written code with a mix of automated tools and manual review. Special software tools do not only find specific errors, but also help identify any problematic areas in the often very extensive code. These can then be closely looked at.
Typical vulnerabilities or deviations that can be discovered through a code review include violations of the naming conventions in the programming language, requirements that are not met or incorrect/contradictory requirements, design mistakes, vulnerabilities in the maintainability of the software or incorrect interface specifications.
So that the code is easy to understand for other developers, as well as for the further development of the software, the quality of the code comments also plays a role. If the code review is done by one or more external testers, there is almost always an improvement in the comments by exchanging them with the responsible developer.
Important tools for code review
Professional integrated development environments (IDE) such as Eclipse and Microsoft Visual Studio often come with different plugins for code review. The tester in charge of the code review should therefore be experienced in the IDE used by the team, as well as the language. In addition, there are popular tools for code review, in addition to the various platforms and version control software (VCS):
- Crucible: Java – CVS, Subversion, Git, Mercurial, Perforce
- Gerrit: Java EE- Git
- Upsource: Java – Git, Subversion, Mercurial, Perforce
- GitLab: Ruby on Rails – Git
- Kallithea: Python – Git, Mercurial
- Pabricator: PHP – Git, Subversion, Mercurial
- Review Board: Python; Java: CVS, Subversion, Git, Mercurial, Bazaar, Perforce, ClearCase, Plastic SCM
- Rietveld: Python – Git, Subversion, Mercurial, Perforce, CVS
- Understand: Windows; Mac, OSX, Linux: popular control software
Indian software testers for code review
You can find a suitable expert for all of the review applications mentioned above relatively easily, even outside of Europe. Indian software professionals are excellent for especially intensive code review, as well as for cost savings. Thanks to the significantly lower rates in India the right professional can often conduct the code review process at a fraction of the costs. Or, for the same budget, you can hire multiple code reviewers, which will understandably improve the code quality.
Outsourcing4work can provide you with the appropriate professionals from India who are experienced in the software tools used by you. Code reviews can be done at specific times as projects at a fixed price, or on hourly billing. We will not only ensure problem-free communication between the code reviewer and the development team with our own project managers, but we also guarantee proper implementation. You conclude the contract directly with us as a European company.
