When developing software, especially with a team, where precision and collaboration are paramount, the role of a code review cannot be overstated. Code review, sometimes called peer review, is a Quality Assurance (QA) process where one or more reviewers check a program by scrutinizing a part or the entirety of the codebase. A code review aims to ensure the code is bug-free, is of standard quality, helps to transfer codebase knowledge, and ensures compliance with QA guidelines and ISO/IEC standards. While we have individuals who carry out this code review process, advancing generative AI has enabled teams to leverage AI’s speed, accuracy, and versatility. ChatGPT is one of the most accessible tools you must have in your toolbox as a coder reviewer or software engineer. This article will walk you through how to use ChatGPT as a code reviewer efficiently.
Types of Code Review Processes
There are various types of code review processes as listed by the IEEE 1028-2008:
- Management reviews
- Technical reviews
- Inspections
- Walk-through
- Audit
There are two methods of using ChatGPT as a code reviewer: the ChatGPT API and the chat interface on chat.openai.com. For context, we will give examples using the chat interface with the various types of code review processes earlier highlighted.
Management Review
To master the use of ChatGPT as a Code Review Assistant for managerial or oversight reviews, it’s vital to grasp the essence of these reviews. Management code reviews, focusing on high-level assessments from a leadership perspective, extend beyond technical details to encompass project management, team coordination, and strategic alignment.
As an engineering manager, integrating ChatGPT into these reviews streamlines the process. ChatGPT serves as a guide, offering insights into strategic considerations, suggesting project management best practices, and ensuring that changes made to the code align seamlessly with organizational objectives. This efficient integration optimizes overall team quality and decision-making during the code review.
To achieve this, use a prompt like: Perform a management review on the provided code.
All images taken as screenshots from ChatGPT December 2023
Technical Reviews
Incorporating ChatGPT as a Code Review Assistant in technical reviews, also known as peer or engineering code reviews, enhances the detailed examination of code changes from a technical perspective. These reviews, involving the collaboration of team members, focus on assessing code quality, correctness, and maintainability.
For technical code reviews, ChatGPT proves invaluable in providing additional insights, explanations, and alternative approaches. It prevents defects, fosters knowledge sharing, and promotes collaboration among team members. By leveraging ChatGPT, technical code reviews become a more robust approach for ensuring code quality, driving continuous improvement, and ultimately contributing to the success and sustainability of software projects.
To achieve this, use a prompt like: “Perform a technical review of the provided code.”
Inspections
In software projects, inspections constitute a formal and systematic process for reviewing and evaluating software artifacts, encompassing code, design documents, and other project deliverables. This structured approach, guided by standards like IEEE 1028-2008, involves a team with specific roles to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
Incorporating ChatGPT into inspections becomes a valuable asset for providing additional insights, clarification, and guidance throughout the process. ChatGPT could help detect bugs during code inspections, foster knowledge sharing, and encourage continuous improvement in software development practices.
Use a prompt like: “Perform an inspection task on the provided code.”
Walk-Through
While leveraging ChatGPT as a Code Review Assistant, walkthroughs assume a distinctly interactive and enriching role. As the author leads team members through intricate code changes, ChatGPT becomes an active participant, contributing by providing detailed explanations, demystifying complex concepts, and proposing alternative solutions. This dynamic process improves the understanding of code alterations. It also assists in cultivating a collaborative environment that perfectly aligns with the overarching objective of utilizing ChatGPT as a Code Review Assistant.
Use a prompt like: “Perform a walk-through of the code.”
Audits
In using ChatGPT as a Code Review Assistant, audits are necessary, emerging as essential in ensuring compliance with coding standards. Within this framework, ChatGPT assumes a multifaceted role, bringing about a comprehensive evaluation of code changes. Its technical role encompasses the provision of context-based insights into industry best practices.
ChatGPT functions as a helpful assistant when it comes to code review. It understands details and also provides advice on rules while making code better. With ChatGPT, you can always be sure of having an extra competent helper to improve the code quality and keep it following all the rules.
Use a prompt like: “Perform an audit of the code.”
The Most Accessible Code Review Assistant
Integrating ChatGPT as a Code Review Assistant enriches software development by combining AI efficiency with human expertise. This enhances various review processes, from management to technical reviews and audits. While ChatGPT offers significant advantages in speed and precision, the critical role of human judgment and creativity remains irreplaceable. When ChatGPT is deployed to complement skilled teams, it improves code quality and more efficient review processes, marking a step forward in software engineering.
