How do you communicate and document your code review process in pair programming?

1 Define your goals and expectations

Before you start coding, you and your partner should agree on the goals and expectations of the code review process. What are you trying to achieve? What are the quality standards and coding conventions? How will you give and receive feedback? How will you resolve conflicts and disagreements? Having a clear and shared vision can help you avoid misunderstandings and align your efforts.

2 Use a consistent and transparent workflow

To communicate and document your code review process, you need a consistent and transparent workflow that supports collaboration and accountability. You can use tools like version control, code editors, code linters, and code review platforms to facilitate your workflow. For example, you can use Git to create branches, commit changes, and create pull requests. You can use Visual Studio Code to share your screen, edit code, and comment on code. You can use ESLint to enforce code style and quality rules. You can use GitHub to review code, suggest changes, and merge code.

3 Communicate frequently and respectfully

Communication is key to effective pair programming and code review. You should communicate frequently and respectfully with your partner, both verbally and in writing. You should explain your reasoning, ask questions, listen actively, and provide constructive feedback. You should also acknowledge your partner's contributions, appreciate their perspectives, and respect their opinions. Communication can help you build trust, rapport, and understanding with your partner.

4 Document your decisions and actions

Documentation is another important aspect of pair programming and code review. You should document your decisions and actions, both in the code and in the code review platform. You should use clear and descriptive names, comments, and commit messages to explain what, why, and how you code. You should also use labels, tags, and statuses to track the progress and status of your code review. Documentation can help you maintain readability, consistency, and traceability of your code.

6 Celebrate your achievements and have fun

Finally, pair programming and code review should not be a stressful or boring chore, but a rewarding and fun experience. You and your partner should celebrate your achievements and have fun along the way. You should recognize your efforts, appreciate your results, and celebrate your successes. You should also enjoy the process, share your ideas, and have a good time. Pair programming and code review can be a great way to grow as a developer and as a team player.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?