What is a Source Code Review and its Process? [2025]

• vijay
• September 7, 2022
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What is a Source Code Review and its Process? Step-by-Step Guide to the Process

What is a Source Code Review and its Process? You will learn about how professionals identify loopholes in the code of software’s security measures to protect your software against online security threats caused by cyberattacks.

In this article, you will learn about the Source Code Review in brief explained for the keen aspirants. What are we waiting for? Let’s get straight to the topic!

What is a Source Code Review?

The process of looking over and evaluating code to find errors, security flaws, and inefficiencies is known as a source code review. It enhances overall maintainability, guarantees code quality and follows best practices.

It is crucial for producing software of the highest caliber and is usually carried out by peers or automated tools.

History of Source Code Review

Michael Fagan’s formal inspection procedure in the 1970s introduced the idea of code review. With the introduction of source control systems such as Git, it transitioned from manual desk checks to digital peer reviews.

Code review is now a crucial component of contemporary software development, made possible by several online resources and platforms.

What is the process of Source Code Review?

Following is the process of source code review:

1. Preparation:

• The reviewer becomes acquainted with the context, goal, and pertinent documentation of the code.

2. Review:

• Line by line, the reviewer looks over the code, looking for:

1. Respect for best practices & coding standards.
2. Accuracy of algorithms & reasoning.
3. Possible errors, inconsistencies, or bugs.
4. Vulnerabilities in security.
5. Optimizations of performance.
6. Maintainability & readability.

3. Discussion and Feedback:

• The reviewer offers detailed criticism, pointing out problems and making recommendations for fixes.
• The reviewer and author talk over the comments, clearing up any confusion and settling disputes.

4. Code Improvement:

• The author fixes the problems found and applies the recommended fixes.

5. Re-review (Optional):

• To make sure all problems are fixed in complicated cases, a re-examination might be carried out.

6. Code Merge:

• The code is incorporated into the main codebase after it has been judged satisfactory.

What advantages does a Source Code Review have?

S.No.	Benefits	How?
1.	Improved Code Quality	Early in the development process, mistakes, defects, and vulnerabilities are found and fixed.
2.	Enhanced Code Readability	Encourages clear coding styles, naming conventions, and consistent formatting.
3.	Increased Code Maintainability	Promotes adherence to best practices, well-documented code, and modular design.
4.	Reduced Technical Debt	Proactively resolves possible problems to keep them from building up and impeding further advancement.
5.	Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration	Encourages team members to share knowledge, which advances education and cooperation.
6.	Improved Team Morale	Promotes a culture of positive reinforcement and ongoing development.
7.	Risk Mitigation	Lowers the possibility of system malfunctions, security breaches, and other expensive problems.
8.	Faster Time to Market	Code review can speed up development by spotting and resolving issues early.

What are the Best Practices related to Source Code Review?

Following are some of the best practices related to source code review:

1. Establish Clear Guidelines: Clearly define the frequency, scope, and expected standards of code reviews.
2. Prioritize Reviews: Pay attention to complicated features, high-risk areas, and important code changes.
3. Encourage Constructive Feedback: Encourage an environment that values candid criticism and open communication.
4. Timely Reviews: Make sure reviews are completed on time to prevent development process delays.
5. Use Review Tools: Make use of code review tools to monitor progress, automate checks, and expedite the process.
6. Consider Pair Programming: Code reviews can be enhanced by pair programming since it facilitates knowledge sharing and instant feedback.
7. Review Your Own Code: Reviewing your own code on a regular basis will help you spot possible problems and advance your coding abilities.
8. Continuous Improvement: To maximize its efficacy, continuously assess the code review procedure and make necessary modifications.

Conclusion

To protect your software from unauthorized access by cybercriminals you need to identify vulnerabilities in their codes and improve their security measures. For a better understanding, you can start learning from basics via the “Web Application Security Course in Singapore,” offered by Craw Security.

During the sessions, students will be able to test their knowledge & skills on live web applications via the virtual lab introduced on the premises of Craw Security. With that, students will be able to learn the skills remotely via the online sessions.

After the completion of the “Web Application Security Course in Singapore,” offered by Craw Security, students will get a certificate validating their honed knowledge & skills during the sessions. What are you waiting for? Enroll, Now!

Frequently Asked Questions

About What is a Source Code Review and its Process?

1. What is the source code review process?

The following things are included in the process of source code review:

1. Preparation,
2. Review,
3. Discussion & Feedback,
4. Code Improvement,
5. Re-review (Optional), and
6. Code Merge.

2. What are the 7 steps to review code?

Following are the 7 steps to review the code:

1. Understand the Context,
2. Check for Adherence to Standards,
3. Assess Code Readability,
4. Verify Functional Correctness,
5. Identify Potential Bugs & Errors,
6. Evaluate Code Efficiency & Performance, and
7. Review Security & Privacy.

3. How many types of code reviews are there?

Following are the types of code reviews:

1. Pair Programming,
2. Over-the-Shoulder Review,
3. Tool-Assisted Review, and
4. Formal Review.

4. What are the 4 types of codes?

Following are the 4 types of codes:

1. Source Code,
2. Machine Code,
3. Object Code, and
4. Assembly Code.

5. What are the two types of source code?

Following are the 2 types of source code:

1. Compiled Source Code, and
2. Interpreted Source Code.

6. What is another name for code review?

Peer review is another name for code review.