12 of the Best Code Review Tools for Developers (2022 Edition)

The process of code review is component of the development of software that involves testing source code to identify bugs earlier in the development process. Code review is typically conducted before merging with the codebase.

A thorough code review can prevent the introduction of errors and bugs into your project by improving the code's quality in an early phase of the development of software.

In this article we'll discuss the meaning of code review, and explore some of the popular tools to review code which aid organizations in the review of code.

What's the Code Review Process?

The main purpose of the code review process is to examine any newly released software for errors, bugs, and quality standards set by the organisation. The process of reviewing code should not just consist of only one-sided feedback. The result is that an important benefit of the process is the collective team's enhanced coding abilities.

Another consideration is to determine the timelines, rounds, and minimal conditions for the submission of reviews of code.

The final consideration is about how feedback should be given in the code review process. It is important to emphasize what you like about the code and suggest alternatives to drawbacks.

It's not uncommon for code reviews to get caught in the mud, which leads to a lower efficiency or even ineffective.

The Reasons Why Code Review Critical?

Code review is critical for the following reasons:

• Verify that there aren't any issues with your the code.
• Lower the risk of developing issues.
• Verify that the new code is in line with the guidelines.
• Enhance the efficacy of the latest code.

What is the best way to conduct the Code Review?

There are four ways to carry out code reviews.

Over-the-Shoulder Code Reviews

The code reviews that are over-the-shoulder take place on the developer's workstation, in which a skilled team member walks through the new code, providing ideas through conversation. It is the easiest approach to code reviews and does not require a established format.

Email Pass-Around

Over-the-shoulder code review is an excellent way of reviewing the latest code, geographically dispersed teams traditionally rely on emails to review code.

Thanks to the development of software for reviewing code These mailing lists continue to are in existence, however they're mostly to announce announcements and discussions onward.

Pair Programming

Although it can be an ideal tool to review new code and instruct developers, it can turn out to unproductive due to its time-consuming nature. The process blocks reviewers from carrying out any other work productively throughout the time.

Tool-Assisted

A process for code review that is assisted by a tool requires the use of a specialized tool to facilitate the process of code review. The tools generally assist users with the following duties:

• Display and arrange the newly updated file in a modified.
• Encourage a dialogue between developers and reviewers.
• Assess the efficacy of the code review process with measures.

These are only the general requirements of a code review tool, more modern ones may provide a handful of different functions. There are a variety of codes review tools in this article.

What are the benefits of using Software for Code Review?

The main outcome of a code review process is to improve efficiency. Even though traditional methods of reviewing code have been effective in the past, you may be losing efficiency if you haven't switched to a code review software. A code review tool automates the process of reviewing code to ensure that the reviewer focuses on the codes.

A tool to review code can be integrated with your development workflow to initiate a code review before new code is merged into the main codebase. Choose a program that is compatible with your technology stack for seamless integration into your workflow.

There are two kinds of code testing in software development: dynamic and static.

Analytical dynamic involves determining if the code adheres to the rules set out in a document as well as running unit tests generally performed with the use of a script that is predefined. Tests on static code are performed when a programmer creates new code to be merged into the current code.

Let's take a look at several of the most sought-after software for code reviews!

A Closer Look at 12 Powerful Code Review Tools

In this section we will review some of the most well-known static code review tools.

1. Review Board

Review Board is an online, open source tool to review code. To test this code review tool You can explore the demonstration on their site as well install and install the software on your server.

A graphical comparison of changes to the code you write is additionally included. In addition to review of code, Review Board lets you review documents as well.

The first version of Review Board came out over 10 years ago, however it's currently in development. Therefore, the community for Review Board has grown over the years , and you'll most likely get help if you encounter any difficulties working with the program.

Review Board is a simple software for reviewing code and can be hosted on your server. You should give the tool a go if you don't want to publish your code on a public website.

2. Crucible

Crucible is a software for code reviews developed by Atlassian. It is a commercial suite of tools that allows you to review code, discuss the changes to your plans, and find problems across multiple versions control systems.

Crucible provides two payment plans, one for small teams as well as the other one for enterprise. If you are a small-sized team, you need to make one time payment of $10 for unlimited repositories limited to five users. If you have a large team, cost starts at $1100 for 10 users with unlimited repositories.

Both plans provide the opportunity to try a free trial for 30 days without the need for an account with a credit card.

Like Review Board, Crucible supports many different version control systems -- SVN, Git, Mercurial, CVS, and Perforce. Its primary purpose is to allow you to conduct code reviews. Alongside general comments regarding codes, the program also allows the user to add comments inside the view of diff to identify exactly what you're referring to specific.

3. GitHub

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GitHub has an inbuilt Code review feature for pull request. This tool for reviewing code is included in GitHub's core services and offers an affordable service to developers. GitHub's free plan limits the number of users to three in private repositories. The paid plans begin at just $7 per month.

GitHub permits reviewers who have access to the code repository to assign themselves on the pull-request in order to complete a review. The developer who submitted the pull request may ask for a review to an administrator.

In addition to discussions on the general pull request, you're in a position to review the difference, add comments as well as review the history of changes. The tool for reviewing code allows you to resolve simple Git conflict issues using the web interface. GitHub can even allow you to connect with additional review tools via its marketplace in order to create a more robust method.

This GitHub Code Review tool can be a useful option if you already using the platform. The tool does not require additional installation or configuration. The primary issue in the GitHub software for reviewing code is that it can support only Git repositories hosted by GitHub. If you are looking for another similar tool for reviewing code which you could download and host on your server, explore GitLab.

4. Phabricator

Phabricator is a list of open-source tools by Phacility that help you review codes. While you can use the download option and then install the full suite of code review tools on your own server, Phacility also provides a cloud-hosted version of Phabricator.

It's free of charge when you set it up onto your servers. You'll however be charged $20 per user per month (with an upper cap of $1000 a month) including support. For a chance to test it You can choose the 30-day trial.

Beyond a Traditional Code Review Tool

Phabricator gives you a complete platform that allows you to communicate with team members. You can either have a pre-commit review of a new team member or conduct a review on the newly submitted code. You can conduct a review of merged code as well this is what Phabricator calls"audit" or "audit". Here's a comparison between a review and an audit using Phabricator.

In summary, Phabricator provides you with many features that help you in making your development processes more effective. It's logical to choose this software when your development project is at the early stages of development. If you aren't equipped with the skills to install it on your own server, you should opt for the hosted version of this tool.

5. Collaborator

Collaborator developed by SmartBear is a peer tools for reviewing documents and code to assist development teams. Apart from reviews of source code, Collaborator enables teams to look over design documents, too. Five-user license packs are priced at $535 a year. A free trial is available depending on your business needs.

It also allows the analysis and reporting of important metrics that are related to the code review process. Moreover, Collaborator helps in audit control and bug tracking in addition. If your technology stack includes enterprise software and you need support to set up your code review process, you should give Collaborator to try.

6. CodeScene

CodeScene processes the history of your version control for code visualization. In addition to this, it applies machine learning algorithms to detect social patterns and hidden risks in code.

With the help of the history of versions, CodeScene profiles ever team member to map out their knowledge base and create cross-team dependencies. The software also explores the idea of hotspots within your repository by identifying areas that are subject to the greatest work in development. These hotspots require the highest focus in the future.

If you're in search of a tool that goes beyond the typical, casual tool for reviewing code, be sure to check out the trial version of CodeScene. For more information on the underlying logic behind CodeScene's behavioral code analysis look into this white paper about the use cases for CodeScene and its functions.

7. Visual Expert

The trial version is free for those who want to make a request in order to receive an estimate of its cost.

Alongside a standard analysis of your code Visual Expert analyzes each modification to your code in order to detect any potential performance issues due to the changes. The tool can automatically generate an entire documentation for your application from the code too.

8. Gerrit

If you've got the expertise to install and configure Gerrit, and you are looking for a free software to review code, this could be a perfect solution for your needs.

9. Rhodecode

Rhodecode is an internet-based application that aids users in conducting code reviews. It works with three different version control systems: Mercurial, Git, and Subversion. A version that is cloud-based of Rhodecode is priced at just 8 dollars per month per user and an on-premise option is priced at $75 per user for a year. Although it's an enterprise-level software, its version for community use available for download, free and open source, can be downloaded and compiled at no cost.

Rhodecode integrates seamlessly with your existing programs, which makes it a great choice for someone seeking a web-based code review tool. The version for community use is perfect for people with technical knowledge seeking a no-cost and reliable code review tool.

10. Veracode

• Static Analysis: A tool that allows developers to find and correct security weaknesses in their programs.
• Software Composition Analysis is a tool that handles the remediation and mitigation of code flaws.

The code review feature is part of Software Composition Analysis and you may choose to try the opportunity to try a trial version of Veracode prior to committing to the program. This is the URL to inquire for a quote.

11. Reviewed

If you would be interested in reading the typical reviews on Reviewable and Reviewable, head over to a demo review.

The most interesting aspect of Reviewable is the fact that it can overcome some of the drawbacks associated with review of code in the pull request function of GitHub. For instance, a comment in a code line will be automatically removed by GitHub when a developer alters the line since GitHub believes that the problem has been corrected. But, in reality the situation could be quite slightly different.

Furthermore, GitHub has relatively small line limit for display of file differences.

If you're looking for a tool tightly coherent with GitHub but you'd like to have more features than pull requests, Reviewable is the tool to be the tool you choose.

12. Peer Review for Trac

If you use Subversion or Subversion, the Peer Review Plugin for Trac gives you a no-cost and open source alternative for conducting code reviews of your project. The Peer Review Plugin is integrated into the Trac Open Source project, which is a wiki as well as an issues tracking system that is used that is used for developing projects.

Trac connects your wiki and review tracker along with your feedback for a complete solution. Although the fundamental functionality of discussing changes as well as conversations is provided but the application lets you create custom workflows for your project.

For example, you could choose tasks to complete upon triggers such as the filing of a proposal or approval for an code review. It is also possible to make customized reports regarding your projects.

If you're looking for a wiki for documentation and an issue tracker tool to manage your project's roadmap, Trac should provide a good option for you.

Summary

Code review can be a significant factor for increasing the efficiency of your organization. In particular, using the appropriate code review tools can help you reduce redundancies in your development workflow.

We looked closer to the most well-known codes review tools that will be to be found in 2022. Here's what we found:

• A small group that is just beginning, Review Board is an ideal way for launching the process of code review.
• If you're looking for an open-source code review tool consider giving Gerrit, Peer Review for Trac, or community edition of Rhodocode to give it a go.
• Are you looking for an easy-to-use software for reviewing code that has help? It is worth a try Rhodecode.
• If you use Git or GitHub to manage your codebases, try GitHub's built-in Code Review Editor a whirl. If you're interested in going beyond the standard features offered by pull requests, you should take a look at Reviewable..
• Are you part of a team that uses Oracle, SQL Server, or PowerBuilder to handle your database code management? Try Visual Expert an online program for code reviews that specialises in the database code.
• If you're in search of an enterprise software, you can check out Atlassian's Crucible or SmartBear's Collaborator, or, Veracode.
• If you're planning to make use of ML and AI for more than just code review into the behavioral analysis, check out CodeScene.
• If you're in search of a complete solution to your development cycle, check out Phabricator's range of tools designed for code reviews and more.

Now it's your turn What code review tools are you using? Why? Comment below!

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