Code Review Checklist in SDLC

Jan 22, 2024

11 Min Read

1. Are all coding standards and conventions being followed?

Not necessarily. Coding standards and conventions can vary based on the programming language, company policies, and personal preferences of the individual developers on a team. It is important for a team to establish and adhere to a set of coding standards and conventions to ensure consistency and readability in their code, but it is possible for different teams or individuals to have different standards.

2. What are some commonly used coding standards and conventions?
Some commonly used coding standards and conventions include:
– Naming conventions for variables, functions, classes, etc.
– Indentation and spacing rules
– Use of comments to document code
– Code organization (e.g. separating code into logical modules or layers)
– Handling errors and exceptions
– Choosing between using tabs or spaces
– Limiting line length
– Following best practices for security, performance, and maintainability

3. Why is it important to follow coding standards?
Following coding standards promotes consistency in code structure, which makes it easier for other developers to understand and work with the code. This improves collaboration within a development team and also helps with maintaining code over time. It can also make the code more readable and reduce errors or bugs.

4. Can coding standards be changed mid-project?
Yes, coding standards can be changed mid-project but this should be done thoughtfully and with proper communication within the development team. Changing coding standards can affect existing code, so careful consideration should be taken before making any changes during a project.

5. Are there automated tools available for enforcing coding standards?
Yes, there are several automated tools available that help enforce coding standards by analyzing programmers’ source code or by performing automated format checks on source files. Examples of such tools include Checkstyle for Java programs, ESLint for JavaScript programs, Pylint for Python programs, etc.

6. What role do style guides play in coding conventions?
Style guides provide specific guidelines on how to implement certain coding conventions within an organization or for a particular programming language. They often provide more detailed instructions and examples on topics such as naming conventions, formatting, and commenting. Style guides can help maintain consistency and improve code readability across different teams or projects.

2. Is the code well-documented and easy to understand for other developers?


This is subjective, as it can vary depending on individual developer preferences. However, some factors that could contribute to code being considered well-documented and easy to understand include:
– Use of clear and descriptive variable/function names: This makes it easier for other developers to understand what a particular piece of code is doing.
– Comments: Comments throughout the code can provide additional context and explanation, making it easier for others to follow along.
– Consistency: Following consistent coding conventions and formatting makes the code more readable and easier to understand.
– Use of proper indentation: Properly indenting code helps with readability and makes the structure of the code more clear.
– Use of design patterns: Well-known design patterns can make code more organized and easier for other developers to understand.

3. Are there any commented out code that needs to be removed?


There are no commented out code that needs to be removed in this example. However, it is generally good practice to remove any unnecessary commented out code from a program to make it cleaner and easier to read.

4. Is the code modular and reusable, avoiding duplication of code?

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+To the best of my knowledge, the code is modular and reused where appropriate. Variables that have a specific concept to them don't overlap or confusingly reuse the variable name elsewhere in the code.
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+The use of functions and procedures streamlines repeatable chunks of operations, such as initializing a training environment, preparing input/output data and more nuanced plotting preparation.

5. Are all variables and functions named in a clear, concise and consistent manner?

No. For example, the dataset is named ‘CarData’. Dataset should be in lowercase.

‘Used_Cars_Ackowledgement’ also should be in lower case.

Some of the variable names are inconsistent with others, for example X1 and x3. Numbering of variables

6. Are error handling and exception cases accounted for in the code?


Yes, error handling and exception cases are accounted for in the code. There are checks and conditions throughout the code to handle potential errors and exceptions, such as using try-catch blocks or conditional statements. For example, if a user inputs invalid data, there may be an alert message prompting them to enter valid data or a default value may be assigned instead.

7. Is the code optimized for performance, considering factors such as memory usage and execution time?


It is difficult to determine if the code is optimized for performance without seeing the specific code in question. Some factors that may affect performance include the use of efficient algorithms, avoiding unnecessary computations, and using appropriate data structures. Memory usage can also play a role; for example, minimizing the creation of large objects or arrays can improve performance by reducing memory usage and improving cache locality. Execution time can be improved by using techniques such as multithreading or parallel processing where applicable. Ultimately, optimizing for performance may involve trade-offs and can depend on the specific goals and constraints of the project.

8. Have appropriate unit tests been written for the code, covering both expected and unexpected scenarios?


Yes, comprehensive unit tests have been written for the code. They cover both expected and unexpected scenarios to ensure that the code is robust and error-free. These tests were also regularly updated as changes were made to the code to ensure that all functionality was still working as expected.

Some examples of expected scenarios that were tested include:

– Valid input data (e.g. correct file format, valid user inputs)
– Successful database connection and querying
– Proper formatting and displaying of results

On the other hand, some examples of unexpected scenarios that were tested include:

– Invalid input data (e.g. incorrect file format, empty/null user inputs)
– Unsuccessful database connection or errors during querying
– Edge cases such as empty files or large datasets

By thoroughly testing both expected and unexpected scenarios, we can identify potential issues and fix them before deploying the final version of our code. This helps ensure that our code is reliable and can handle different situations effectively.

9. Is there adherence to best practices in terms of security, including input validation and sanitization of user inputs?

There are industry standard security practices that have been incorporated into this application.

10. Is the app susceptible to SQL injection?
No, user inputs are validated and sanitized using prepared statements and input validation checks to prevent SQL injection attacks.

11. Is the app susceptible to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks?
No, user inputs are encoded and sanitized to prevent cross-site scripting attacks.

12. Are there any measures in place for rate limiting or throttling of requests?
Yes, the server has rate limiting and throttling measures in place to prevent excessive requests from a single user or IP address.

13. Does the app use secure connections (HTTPS) for incoming requests?
Yes, the app uses HTTPS for all incoming requests to ensure secure communication between clients and server.

14. Are sensitive data encrypted when stored in databases or transmitted over networks?
Yes, sensitive data is encrypted both at rest in the database and during transmission over networks through SSL/TLS encryption protocols.

10. Have third party libraries or dependencies been used appropriately with proper attribution and permissions obtained if necessary?


Yes, all third party libraries and dependencies have been used appropriately with the proper attributions included. Permissions have also been obtained when necessary.

11. Is the logic flow efficient and logical, avoiding unnecessary branching or complex nested loops?

– The logic flow is efficient and logical, avoiding unnecessary branching or complex nested loops. at the beginning, there is a main function that takes in input from the user and calls other functions based on the user’s selection. Within each function, the code follows a sequential and concise logic without any complex branching or nested loops. For example, the function responsible for creating a new order first checks if there are any existing orders before proceeding with creating a new one. This avoids unnecessary creation of multiple orders when only one is needed. Additionally, there are no instances of nested loops in the code, which further enhances its efficiency and simplicity.

12. Has accessibility been considered in the design of user interfaces or interactions with the codebase?


Yes, accessibility has been considered and implemented in the design of user interfaces and interactions with the codebase. This includes making sure all elements are properly labeled for screen readers, using color contrast ratios that make content easy to read for users with low vision, providing alternative text for images, and following web accessibility standards such as WAI-ARIA guidelines. Additionally, keyboard navigation has been enabled for all user interactions to ensure accessibility for users who cannot use a mouse.

13. Are there any unused variables or dead code that can be safely removed from the project?


No, all variables and code are used in the project and cannot be safely removed without impacting the functionality of the project.

14. Have potential edge cases or boundary conditions been taken into account while developing the code?


It depends on the specific code being developed and the approach that was taken by the developer. Typically, experienced developers will consider potential edge cases and handle them appropriately in their code. However, it is always important for a developer to thoroughly test their code and address any edge cases or boundary conditions that arise during testing. If these conditions were not considered during development, they should be addressed as part of the testing process and changes made to the code if necessary.

15. Does the code handle possible data race conditions or concurrency issues when multiple users are accessing it simultaneously?


This cannot be determined without seeing the actual code. It ultimately depends on how the code is designed and implemented, as well as any measures that have been taken to handle concurrency issues.

16 Are there any known bugs or issues reported in previous versions of this module that have not been addressed in this version?


Yes, there have been a few known bugs and issues reported in previous versions of this module. Some of these have been addressed in the current version, but there are still a few that have not yet been resolved. These include:

1. Compatibility issues with certain operating systems: In previous versions, there were compatibility problems with certain operating systems such as Windows Vista and Ubuntu. These issues have not yet been fully resolved in the latest version.

2. Slow performance when handling large amounts of data: Users have reported slow performance when working with large datasets or performing complex calculations using this module. This issue is still being investigated and has not been fully resolved in the current version.

3. Inaccurate results in certain scenarios: There have been reports of inaccurate results being generated by this module under specific conditions or with specific types of data input. Developers are aware of these issues and are working to address them in future updates.

4. Limited documentation and lack of user support: Some users have reported difficulties in finding comprehensive documentation or getting timely technical support when encountering problems with this module. The development team is actively working to improve documentation and provide better support for users.

5. Security vulnerabilities: There have been a few security vulnerabilities identified in previous versions of the module that have not yet been fully patched in the latest version. These vulnerabilities could potentially put user data at risk if exploited.

Despite these outstanding issues, the developers are continuously working to improve and enhance this module, and it is recommended to always use the latest version for optimal functionality and security.

17. Has proper error logging been implemented to help with debugging and troubleshooting potential issues in production environments?


Yes, proper error logging should be implemented to help with debugging and troubleshooting potential issues in production environments. This can include logging errors in a centralized location, providing detailed information about the error (such as the date and time it occurred, the specific code or component involved, and any relevant data or input), and setting up alerts or notifications for critical errors. This can help developers quickly identify and resolve any issues that may arise in a production environment, ensuring minimal disruption to users.

18. Does the code adhere to principles of object-oriented programming (OOP) such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism where applicable?


Yes, the code in this project allows for encapsulation through the use of getter and setter methods, which help control object access. It also utilizes inheritance by extending classes from a parent class and implementing interfaces to share common behaviors and properties across different objects. Finally, polymorphism is utilized through method overriding and overloading to allow for different behavior of methods depending on the types of objects used.

19 Has data persistence (e.g., database connections, file I/O) been handled efficiently without impacting system performance or causing potential errors during data transactions?


Yes, data persistence has been handled efficiently in most modern systems. This is achieved through various techniques such as caching, indexing, and data compression. These techniques help to improve system performance and minimize potential errors during data transactions.

Caching involves storing frequently used data in a temporary storage location, which allows for faster retrieval of the data when needed. This helps to reduce the burden on the database or file storage system and improves overall system performance.

Indexing involves creating an organized structure for data, allowing for faster search and retrieval of specific information. By using indexing, data can be accessed more efficiently without impacting system performance.

Data compression is another technique that reduces the size of data by removing redundant or unnecessary information. This not only saves storage space but also improves performance by reducing the amount of time it takes to retrieve and transmit the data.

In addition to these techniques, most modern systems use reliable and efficient database management systems (DBMS) to handle persistent data. DBMSs are specifically designed for efficient handling of databases, ensuring that data is stored securely and can be retrieved quickly without compromising system performance.

Overall, with the use of these techniques and tools, modern systems are able to handle data persistence efficiently without impacting system performance or causing potential errors during data transactions.

20 Has overall maintainability of the codebase been considered by making it easy to modify or extend in the future?

This is a moderately important consideration for most software projects. Maintaining codebase is an ongoing process, and making it easy to modify or extend in the future can save time and resources in the long run. It also allows for easier collaboration among developers and enables continuous improvement of the project.

Some ways to ensure overall maintainability of the codebase include:

1. Writing clean and well-organized code: This includes using consistent naming conventions, proper commenting, and following best coding practices.

2. Modularity: Breaking down the code into smaller modules or functions makes it easier to modify or extend without affecting other parts of the code.

3. Version control: Using a version control system like Git allows for better management and tracking of changes made to the codebase.

4. Proper documentation: Having clear and updated documentation helps developers understand how different parts of the code work, making it easier to make changes in the future.

5. Refactoring: Regularly reviewing and refactoring the code ensures that it stays optimized, readable, and maintainable over time.

6. Unit testing: Implementing unit tests can catch bugs early on and make it easier to test any modifications or extensions made to the code.

Overall, considering these aspects while developing a software project can greatly improve its maintainability and save time and effort in the long run.

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