What are subtle difference in approaches to consider when reviewing PR (Pull request) for Junior and Senior engineers

Are you reviewing PR(Pull request) for engineer - junior/mid level engineer and senior engineer ? There are basic nuances which we should always keep in mind when review PR for different level of engineers.

 

 Junior/mid level engineers PR (Pull request)

When reviewing a PR (Pull Request) for a junior/mid level engineer, it's important to provide constructive feedback while also nurturing their growth and development. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Be patient and understanding: Remember that junior engineers are still learning and may make mistakes. Approach the review with a positive mindset and be patient with any shortcomings.

2. Provide clear and specific feedback: Give feedback that is easy to understand and actionable. Be specific about what needs improvement, pointing out both the positive aspects and areas that require attention.

3. Focus on the bigger picture: While addressing specific code issues is important, also consider the overall design, architecture, and scalability of the codebase. Help junior engineers understand the context and encourage them to think beyond individual lines of code.

4. Encourage best practices: Guide junior engineers towards following best practices and industry standards. Suggest improvements related to code readability, maintainability, and performance. Encourage them to use appropriate tools and frameworks.

5. Promote collaboration and learning: PR reviews are not just about pointing out mistakes, but also about fostering growth. Encourage the junior engineer to ask questions, seek clarification, and engage in discussions. Offer resources and references that can help them improve their skills.

6. Be supportive and positive: Remember that your role as a reviewer is to mentor and support the junior engineer. Offer praise for well-executed solutions and improvements made since previous revisions. Build their confidence and create a safe environment for learning.

7. Explain the reasoning behind suggestions: Instead of just stating what needs to be changed, explain the rationale behind your suggestions. This helps the junior engineer understand the underlying concepts and reasoning, enabling them to apply the knowledge in future scenarios.

8. Prioritize key issues: While it's important to address all the issues in a PR, prioritize the most critical ones first. This ensures that the junior engineer can focus on the most impactful areas and make necessary changes.

9. Encourage iteration and continuous improvement: PR reviews are an iterative process. Encourage the junior engineer to take feedback positively, iterate on their code, and continuously improve. Emphasize the importance of learning from mistakes and growing as a developer.

10. Foster a positive feedback culture: Lead by example and create a culture of positive feedback within your team. Encourage other reviewers to provide constructive feedback and motivate junior engineers to review others' code as well. This helps create a supportive and collaborative environment.

Remember, the goal is to help the junior engineer grow and become a better developer. By providing thoughtful feedback, guidance, and support, you can contribute to their professional development and success.

 Senior engineers PR (Pull request)  

When reviewing a PR for a senior engineer, the focus shifts slightly as they are expected to have a higher level of expertise and experience. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Assume competence: Recognize that senior engineers have a deep understanding of coding principles and best practices. Approach the review with the assumption that they have made informed decisions.

2. Respect their experience: Senior engineers often have years of experience and domain knowledge. Be mindful of their expertise and avoid being overly critical or dismissive. Offer suggestions and improvements respectfully.

3. Focus on collaboration: Treat the review process as an opportunity for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Engage in discussions, share your perspective, and be open to learning from their expertise. Encourage them to explain their choices and consider alternative approaches.

4. Look for optimization opportunities: Senior engineers are often expected to have a good grasp of performance optimization and scalability. Review the code for potential optimizations and suggest improvements if necessary.

5. Encourage mentoring and leadership: Senior engineers are often seen as mentors and leaders within the team. Encourage them to provide guidance and support to junior members, both in their code and in the review process itself.

6. Consider the broader impact: Senior engineers are typically involved in higher-level decisions and architectural considerations. Evaluate the code changes in the context of the system as a whole, considering factors such as maintainability, scalability, and long-term impact.

7. Provide constructive feedback: While senior engineers may have more experience, they are not immune to mistakes or blind spots. Offer constructive criticism when necessary, pointing out any potential issues or areas for improvement. However, be mindful of your tone and approach, keeping the senior engineer's experience and expertise in mind.

8. Learn from their expertise: Take the opportunity to learn from the senior engineer's code and approach. Look for ways to enhance your own skills and knowledge by understanding their choices and techniques.

Remember, the goal of reviewing a PR for a senior engineer is not just to find errors, but also to foster growth, collaboration, and mutual learning.