Manual Code Review
Manual code review is a software development practice where developers systematically examine source code written by peers to identify defects, improve quality, and share knowledge. It involves reading and analyzing code line-by-line or in sections to catch bugs, enforce coding standards, and ensure maintainability before the code is merged into the main codebase. This process is typically conducted through tools like pull requests in version control systems, fostering collaboration and learning within development teams.
Developers should use manual code review to catch logic errors, security vulnerabilities, and performance issues that automated tools might miss, especially in complex or critical code sections. It is essential in agile and collaborative environments to maintain code quality, ensure consistency with team standards, and facilitate knowledge transfer among team members, reducing technical debt and improving long-term project sustainability. Common use cases include reviewing new features, bug fixes, and refactoring efforts in projects ranging from small startups to large enterprise applications.