How to Get Feedback on Your Coding Projects. Why Ask for Code Review?

Code review plays a crucial role in software development, allowing programmers and their peers to examine one another's code to ensure that it's high-quality, functional, well-readable, and maintainable. Nonetheless, receiving feedback can be challenging, particularly for those without experience with code review. In this article, we will explore valuable tips for handling code review feedback and how to ask for it effectively.

Why Does Code Review Really Matter?

Did you know that experienced developers believe that one of the best ways to grow professionally is by frequently asking for colleague feedback? Many big companies even have performance review cycles, though they may happen only a few times a year. And to grow professionally faster, students or juniors should aim to receive feedback much more frequently.Receiving feedback from other programmers can help you significantly improve the quality of your code and become a better software developer. So, once you have completed your pet project, it's time to get feedback!

Where Can You Get a Feedback?

One of the easiest and most effective ways is to turn to like-minded people you communicate closely with. They usually have enough context about your knowledge to give you valuable feedback.

GitHub and GitLab

GitHub is the dynamic hub for collaborative code hosting that empowers developers worldwide to share their code. When somebody posts a project on this platform, programmers unite to review, refine, and improve each other's code. So, if you'd like to get in-depth feedback and insightful enhancements on your code, GitHub is a great place to post your project. GitLab is another popular platform for code hosting and collaboration. Like GitHub, it provides features for requesting and conducting code reviews.

Stack Exchange code review

Stack Exchange code review is a dedicated site within the Stack Exchange network that provides a platform for developers to receive feedback and constructive criticism on their code. The site's primary goal is to help programmers improve the quality and efficiency of their code by having experienced developers review and suggest improvements. The Stack Exchange network has a robust and friendly community of developers passionate about helping each other grow.

r/codereview

r/codereview is a subreddit on the social media platform Reddit that was created to provide a space for developers to seek and offer code reviews. On this subreddit, you can also share your code and request feedback from the community to improve its effectiveness. When you post your code for review, other developers from the community analyze it and offer suggestions, improvements, and potential optimizations. This process can be beneficial in identifying bugs, improving coding practices, and gaining insights into alternative approaches.

CodeGym forum

Note that CodeGym has a forum where learners can share their projects, discuss tricky topics, and interact with other members of the CodeGym community. Typically, in the CodeGym forum, code reviews are performed within the context of the course's tasks and exercises. Additionally, you can not just send your projects on review but also seek help with exercises and assignments if you get stuck at some point.

Your mentor and students

One of the main perks of CodeGym's Java fundamentals course is that you receive feedback on your code, helping you improve your Java skills through learning with a mentor. Also, you can ask other students from your group for feedback.

Hackathons

Hackathons are intense, time-bound events where individuals collaboratively work on creative projects. Participating in local hackathons is a great way to receive immediate feedback from teammates and mentors during the event. You and your peers review each other's code and suggest improvements. Additionally, some hackathons might have mentors or judges who can offer feedback on your project and code during the presentation or evaluation process.

Tips for Posting Your Project

• Clearly label your project with the path and project name.
• You can attach any findings, links, and exciting materials when posting your project.
• If you want to get specific advice, keep your questions less generic. For example, you may ask, "Is there a better way to query this data?" or "What can I do differently to improve my frontend coding?".

Such narrow questions will help reviewers give you maximum efficient feedback to facilitate learning and align with your career goals.

How to Receive and Respond to Code Feedback?

Feedback can be a real eye-opener, so treat it as a gift, even if it's not positive. It's important to understand that code review feedback should not be viewed as a personal attack or a judgment on your abilities. Instead, it should be seen as a constructive and collaborative process that improves your code quality, skills, and overall performance. The feedback will allow you to identify and rectify your code's bugs, errors, and vulnerabilities. Furthermore, you'll have an excellent opportunity to learn new techniques and best practices from your peers. How to receive the feedback?

• First of all, you should stay open-minded and have a positive attitude.
• Read the feedback carefully to understand the reviewer's intention.
• Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if the feedback is unclear or inconsistent.
• Express your appreciation for the reviewer's effort and time. It will show your gratitude and encourage people to give you more feedback.
• Acknowledge suggestions and insights and objectively evaluate them to decide which changes are essential or optional.
• Apply the changes you agree with.
• Test your code.
• Respond to the feedback and leave comments if you have some.

In case you disagree with the feedback, you may want to seek a second opinion.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the feedback you'll receive will not always be positive. Some of it may include constructive criticism and insights. It's important to stay calm and self-confident. Also, it would help if you understood that reviewers are trying to give you honest feedback and help you become a better developer. Once you receive feedback, you should apply the learnings from the input to your code. In addition, accepting changes and comments will help your colleagues see that you're open to constructive criticism and willing to adapt, boost your knowledge, and become a better specialist. Asking for feedback is one of the best ways to grow professionally and personally. Plus, sharing your projects and seeking input from like-minded people in tech communities is an excellent way to establish your presence as a coder. Eventually, those connections may lead to fantastic job opportunities. So, if you'd like to learn faster and land your first job more quickly, let's create a sizeable full-fledged project with CodeGym and ask for feedback from your mentor. P. S. Don't neglect to review your peers' projects too. This way, you'll give back to the communities that have helped you and get valuable reviewing practice and learn from others. Double benefit!