Dealing With Code Review as a New Developer: Don't Take It Personal, But Your Code Sucks!

Hey everyone, Dorian here. Today, I'm getting real about something every new developer faces: code review. Remember my first time? It felt like being thrown into the lion's den. There I was, fresh on the job, and bam! My code was torn apart. It's a rite of passage, sure, but that didn't make it any less intimidating.

I'll be honest; it stung. I questioned my abilities, wondered why on earth they hired me, and even considered calling in sick forever. Dramatic? Maybe. But those were my raw feelings at the time. It's tough, especially when you're new and still finding your feet.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

The thing is, code review can feel deeply personal. When you've poured hours into coding, having it critiqued can feel like a direct hit to your ego. Early on, I struggled to separate the feedback on my code from my self-worth. Phrases like "code smell" sounded like outright insults. Little did I know, they were just trying to help me grow, not tear me down.

Lessons in Feedback

Here's what I've learned: feedback is crucial. It's not about nitpicking or pointing out flaws for the sake of it. It's about improvement, consistency, and preventing bugs. Sure, some comments might seem harsh at first, but often, they're just straightforward observations meant to guide you.

One of my biggest takeaways was about commenting. I remember getting called out for not commenting on my code. It felt personal. But in reality, it was a valid point. Comments help everyone understand what's going on, making it easier for the team to work together.

Embracing the Process

If you're feeling singled out or picked on, it's important to speak up. But most of the time, the feedback is coming from a good place. It took me a while to see code review for what it truly is: a tool for betterment, not criticism.

For those not currently doing code reviews, I highly recommend introducing them to your team. It's a game-changer for improving your code and growing as a developer.

Final Thoughts

To all the new developers out there, remember, code review is not a personal attack. It's a vital part of the development process. Embrace it, learn from it, and don't be too hard on yourself. We've all been there, and trust me, it gets easier.

Thanks for tuning in, and if you found this helpful, make sure to like and subscribe for more insights into the life of a self-taught programmer. See you in the next one!