What is a code review and why is it needed?

The practice of code review, as we understand it today, owes its origins to Michael Fagan, who developed the formal process of software inspection in the mid-1970s. At that time, software engineering was often a solitary pursuit, with individual developers acting as lone cowboys who were responsible for writing, testing, and reviewing their own code. This method led to inconsistent standards across projects and a higher incidence of overlooked errors, as individual biases and blind spots went unchecked.

Recognizing the limitations of this solitary approach, Fagan introduced a structured method to inspect software systematically. His process was aimed not only at finding errors but also at examining the overall design and implementation of software. This shift marked a significant evolution in software development, emphasizing collaboration, meticulous examination, and shared responsibility. By involving multiple reviewers, Fagan’...