How to be a good reviewer

The role of a reviewer in the code review process is crucial not just for ensuring the technical quality of code but also for maintaining a constructive, respectful, and educational environment. The following are some key practices that define a good reviewer.

Initiate the conversation

Start the review process by initiating a friendly conversation with the reviewee. This can be a brief message acknowledging the effort they have put into the pull request (PR) and setting a positive tone for the upcoming review. A cordial start helps to build rapport with the reviewee, making the subsequent exchange more open and collaborative.

Maintain politeness and respect

Always be polite and respectful in your comments. Remember that the reviewee has invested significant effort into their code. Critiques should be constructive, focusing on the code and its improvement rather than on the individual. Phrasing feedback in the form of questions or suggestions rather...