How can I effectively review a pull request that has 1000-2000 lines of code? I find it overwhelming to start from scratch and navigate through so many pages. Sometimes the variable names used are really vague, like 'var number' and 'var text', which adds to my confusion. As a junior developer, I remember my early experiences where I struggled with large PRs, and I noticed that other juniors in my team also face this issue. Given that we have limited seniors to guide us, how do you guys tackle such big PRs?
5 Answers
This situation can be tricky, but don't hesitate to request changes if you see poorly named variables or lack of documentation. It's totally okay to call out those issues and ask for a more manageable PR. If the developer pushes back, that might be a red flag. It shows a lack of consideration for code quality, which is super important.
Definitely! Your job is to ensure code quality, and if something's off, speak up!
I'd recommend setting up a session with the author where they explain their revisions in detail. It might seem daunting, but it’s a great way to understand their thought process. Plus, experienced devs have likely done this themselves, so they usually won’t mind. Just make sure to ask pointed questions about any confusing parts.
That's a great idea! It could really help break things down into manageable bits.
Yeah, a walkthrough sounds like a smart option!
One solid approach is to ask the author to break their PR into smaller chunks. It’s much easier to review smaller, focused pieces instead of a massive document 'cause you can get lost easily in all that code. Plus, smaller PRs can often be reviewed and merged quicker!
If you’re really struggling with a big PR like this, get an experienced colleague involved. They can help you understand the code better or even assist with the review. If the code quality looks suspect, like unclear variable names, definitely ask for fixes before considering the PR for merge.
Bringing in a senior sounds like a smart move. They probably have seen similar cases.
Absolutely! Having guidance can save you a lot of headaches.
When PRs get super long, I usually start by checking the basics: Are there tests? Documentation? Do the commits make sense? And if I’m still lost, I’ll suggest a quick call with the dev to walk through the changes together. It really helps clear things up!
That makes sense! It's better to highlight issues early on rather than letting them slip through.