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

Code review is a part of the development of software that includes testing the source code to find bugs early during the process of development. Code review typically takes place before merging with the codebase.

A comprehensive code review will prevent the introduction of errors and bugs into your project through improving the quality of your code in an early phase of development for software.

In this article , we'll talk about what code review is all about and look at some of the tools used to analyze code which aid organizations in the review of code.

What is the Code Review Process?

The main purpose of the process of code review is to examine any new software to identify mistakes, bugs and high-quality standards established by the organisation. The process of reviewing code should not just consist of solely single-sided feedback. This means that one significant benefit is the improvement of the entire team's capabilities in coding.

Another thing to consider is when the deadlines are, how many rounds as well as the minimum conditions to be met for submission of reviews of code.

The most important thing to consider is what feedback you should give when reviewing the code. It is important to emphasize things you appreciate about the code as well as suggest alternative solutions for negative aspects.

It's common that code reviews get lost 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:

• Make sure that there's no problems with the code.
• The lower the likelihood of developing problems.
• Make sure that the updated code is compatible with the guidelines.
• Enhance the efficacy of the most recent code.

What is the best way to Conduct the Code Review?

There are four methods to carry out code review.

Review of the Over-the-Shoulder Code

The code reviews that are performed over-the-shoulder are conducted at the workstation of the developer, in which a skilled team member walks through the code and provides suggestions through conversation. This is the most straightforward method of reviewing code and doesn't require an defined structure.

Email Pass-Around

The over-the-shoulder review of code is an excellent way of reviewing the latest code, teams with geographical dispersion typically depend on email to look over code.

Due to the advancement of tools for reviewing the code, mailing lists have continued to be in existence, however they're mostly to announce announcements and discussions onward.

Pair Programming

Though it could be the ideal device to look over development code and guide developers, it could be unproductive due to the time-consuming nature. Reviewers are prevented from carrying out the other tasks productively during the duration of time.

Tool-Assisted

The process of code review supported by tools requires the aid of a special device to aid in the process of code review. These tools typically assist users with the following duties:

• Show and organize the revised file in a modified.
• Create a dialog between developers and reviewers.
• Examine the efficiency of the process for reviewing codes by taking measures.

These are only the general specifications of a code review tool, more modern models may have a range of different functions. There's a range of code review tools listed that are discussed in this post.

What are the advantages that come from using Software for Code Review?

The main outcome of the code review process is to increase the efficiency. Even though traditional methods of review of code were effective in the past, you may be getting less efficient if you've never made the switch to a review program. A code review tool automates the process of reviewing code so that the person reviewing concentrates on the code.

The tool for reviewing code is a good addition to your workflow for development to begin an initial code review prior to when new code is merged into the main code base. Pick a program suitable with your current technology stack for seamless integration into the workflow.

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

Analytical dynamic involves determining if the code adheres to the specifications of a document as well as running unit tests generally performed by using a script that is predefined. Testing static code is performed when a programmer writes new code which is added to the existing code.

Let's 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 look at some of the widely used static code review tools.

1. Review Board

Review Board is an open-source, online tool to review code. For a test of this review software, you can look through the demo on their site as you install and download the software onto your computer.

An image-based comparison of the modifications to code that you write is additionally included. Alongside reviewing codes, Review Board lets you look over documents, too.

Review Board's initial version Review Board came out over 10 years ago. However, it's still in the process of being developed. Therefore, the community for Review Board has grown over the years , and you'll most likely get help if you have any issues with the program.

Review Board is a simple application for checking code. It can be hosted on your server. You should give the tool an attempt if you don't intend to post your code to a website that is open to the public.

2. Crucible

Crucible is a tool to review code developed by Atlassian. It is a commercial suite of tools which allows you to look over code, talk about the changes to your plans, and find problems across different version control systems.

Crucible has two payment plans, one for small teams as well as the other one designed for enterprises. If you're a smaller team, then you'll need to pay one-time $10 for unlimited repositories limited to five users. If you're a big team, cost starts at $1100 per user with unlimited repositories.

Both plans provide the opportunity to try a free trial for 30 days without the requirement of a credit card or account that requires credit card.

As with Review Board, Crucible supports many different version control systems -- SVN, Git, Mercurial, CVS, and Perforce. Its primary purpose is to allow you to perform code reviews. In addition to general remarks about codes, the program also lets users add remarks inside the scope of diff to identify exactly what you're referring to specific.

3. GitHub

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GitHub offers an integrated Code review feature for pull request. This feature for reviewing the code of GitHub is part of its core services and offers the lowest cost service for developers. The free version of GitHub limits the number of users it allows to three in private repositories. The paid plans begin at just $7 per month.

GitHub permits reviewers who have access to the repository of code to select themselves from the pull-request to finish a review. The developer who created the pull request can ask for a review to an administrator.

Alongside discussions about the general pull request, you're able to examine the change and add your own comments, and also review the history of changes. This tool to review code allows you to resolve easy Git conflict issues using the interface on the internet. GitHub allows you to connect with different review tools through its marketplace in order to build a more reliable procedure.

This GitHub Code Review tool can prove useful if you already using the platform. The tool does not require an additional setup or installation. One of the main issues with the GitHub software for reviewing code is that it supports only Git repositories owned by GitHub. If you are looking an alternative tool similar to this one to review code that you could download and host on your server, explore GitLab.

4. Phabricator

Phabricator is a collection of open-source tools from Phacility which assist you in reviewing code. You can also make use of the download feature and then install the full range of software for code reviews using your own server Phacility also offers an online version of Phabricator.

The service is free when you put it up on your servers. However, you'll be charged each month for $20 per user (with an annual cap of $1000 a month) with support. If you want to try it, you can opt for the trial period of 30 days.

Beyond a Standard Code Review Tool

Phabricator offers a full platform to interact with your team members. There is the option to prior-commit review for a new member of your team or do a review on newly submitted code. You can conduct a review of code that has been merged as well which is what Phabricator calls"audit" also known as "audit". This is the comparison of a review and an audit made with Phabricator.

In summary, Phabricator provides you with many features that help in making your development workflows more efficient. It's sensible to select this software when your development project is at the early stages of creation. If you don't have the necessary skills to set it up on your own server, you should opt for the version that is hosted of this tool.

5. Collaborator

Collaborator created by SmartBear is a peer tools for reviewing documents and code to aid team members working on development. In addition to reviewing the source codes, Collaborator enables teams to examine design documentation, as well. Five-user license packs are priced at $535 for a year. A free trial is available according to your needs for business.

Additionally, it allows for the analysis and report of key measures that pertain to the code review process. Additionally, Collaborator helps in audit management and bug tracking and bug tracking. If you have a technology stack that comprises enterprise-level software and you need support for setting the code review procedure, you should give Collaborator the chance to test.

6. CodeScene

CodeScene enables you to analyze the past history of your version control in order to display code. It also does this by using it employs machine-learning algorithms to detect social patterns and hidden risks within code.

Utilizing the past versions of the software, CodeScene profiles ever team members to define their knowledge base and create cross-team dependencies. CodeScene also explores the concept of hotspots in your repository by identifying areas that are subject to the most work for development. They require the most concentration in the coming years.

If you're searching for an application that is more than the usual, easy software for reviewing code, be sure to check out the trial version of CodeScene. For further information about the fundamentals behind CodeScene's behavioral code analysis check out this white paper regarding the various uses for CodeScene and its capabilities..

7. Visual Expert

The trial version of the software is completely free for those who want to send a request to receive an estimate of the cost.

Alongside a standard review of your code Visual Expert analyzes each modification made to your code to identify any possible performance issues due to the modifications. It can also create a complete documentation of your program based on the code too.

8. Gerrit

If you've got the expertise to set up and install Gerrit or searching for a no-cost software to analyze codes, this might be a perfect solution for your requirements.

9. Rhodecode

Rhodecode is an online application designed to assist users to conduct code review. It works with three different system of control for versions: Mercurial, Git, and Subversion. A version that is cloud-based of Rhodecode can be purchased for less than eight dollars per month for each user, while an on-premise version is available for 75 dollars per user over a year. While it's an enterprise-level program, its version is designed for use in the community. It's available for download, free and open source, is available to download and compile without cost.

Rhodecode works seamlessly with your current programs. This can make it an ideal option for anyone looking to use an online-based tool for reviewing code. This version is designed for use by communities. is ideal for those who have technical expertise and want a no-cost and reliable code review tool.

10. Veracode

• Static Analysis Tool that allows developers to find and correct security weaknesses in their programs.
• Software Composition Analysis is a tool to assist in the correction and mitigation of code flaws.

The feature for reviewing code is a part of Software Composition Analysis and you can take advantage of the opportunity to try a trial version of Veracode prior to committing to the software. Here is the link to inquire for a quote.

11. Review

If you are curious to read the standard reviews of Reviewable and Reviewable visit the demo reviews.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Reviewable is the fact that it can overcome certain drawbacks that come with reviewing code using the pull request function of GitHub. For instance, a comment within a line of code can disappear automatically by GitHub whenever a developer changes the code line because GitHub is convinced that the issue is now fixed. However, it could be somewhat different.

Additionally, GitHub has relatively small line limit for display of the differences between files.

If you're searching for an instrument that's tightly linked to GitHub but you'd like to have more features than pull requests, Reviewable is the tool to be your choice.

12. Peer Review for Trac

If you are using Subversion or Subversion or Subversion, you can use the Peer Review Plugin for Trac gives you a no-cost and open source alternative to conduct code reviews of your own project. Peer Review Plugin is an open source plugin that allows you to conduct code reviews. Peer Review Plugin is integrated into Trac Open Source. Trac Open Source project, which includes a wiki and an issue monitoring system in the development of projects.

Trac connects your wiki and review tracker to your feedback to provide a comprehensive solution. Although the fundamental functionality of discussing changes as well as conversations is provided but Trac lets you design customized workflows for your project.

You could, for instance, choose tasks to complete upon certain triggers, such as the submission of a plan or the approval of a code review. You can also prepare custom reports about your work.

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

Summary

Review of code can be a significant factor for increasing the efficiency of your organization. Particularly, using proper tools to review code will help you reduce redundancies in your workflow for development.

We delved deeper into the most popular codes-review tools which will be to be found by 2022. Here's what we found:

• A small , specialized group just beginning, Review Board is a great way of starting the process of code review.
• If you're searching for an open-source tool to review code, look into Gerrit, Peer Review for Trac, or community edition of Rhodocode to give it a go.
• Do you want an easy-to-use software for reviewing codes that can help? This is a good option to try Rhodecode.
• If you use Git or GitHub for managing your codebases then give GitHub's integrated Code Review Editor a whirl. If you're keen on going beyond the typical features that are offered through pull requests, you should take a look at reviewable..
• Are you part of a group that uses Oracle, SQL Server, or PowerBuilder to manage your databases code management? Try Visual Expert an online application for code reviews that specialises in the database code.
• If you're looking for an enterprise software You can look into Atlassian's Crucible and SmartBear's Collaborator and Veracode.
• If you're thinking of making use of ML or AI for more than just code review into the behavior analysis, you should check out CodeScene.
• If you're in search of the complete solution to your development workflow, be sure to check out Phabricator's collection of software designed to help you review code and much more.

Now it's your turn What code review tools are you using? Why? Let us know in the comments below!

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