Patchreview

Patchreview is the process of examining a proposed change to a software project, typically expressed as a patch or diff, to determine its correctness, quality, and compatibility with the project’s goals before it is merged into the main codebase. It is a core activity in collaborative development.

Contributors submit patches through version control or patch submission systems. Reviewers, often maintainers or designated developers, assess the patch for correctness, potential regressions, adherence to coding standards, and fit with project direction. The process may involve comments, requested changes, and, after approval, scheduling for integration.

Tools and workflows vary by project. Many teams use pull requests or merge requests in Git hosting platforms, along with code review interfaces and continuous integration tests. Some projects rely on mailing lists and patch queues, especially in large open-source ecosystems, where discussion and iteration occur publicly.

Evaluation criteria include correctness, security, performance impact, maintainability, API compatibility, documentation, and test coverage. Reviewers may run tests, examine diffs, and assess edge cases. Quality guidelines, automated checks, and style guides help standardize reviews across the project.

Outcomes range from patch acceptance and merging to requests for changes or rejection. Patchreview aims to detect defects early, improve code quality, share knowledge, and preserve project standards. Challenges include review fatigue, handling large patches, and balancing quick iteration with thorough scrutiny.