Every layer of review makes you 10x slower (apenwarr.ca)

Article summary

The article discusses how each layer of review in a process can make it 10 times slower, citing examples from coding and approval processes. This slowdown is attributed to waiting and latency rather than the actual time spent on the task. The article also explores the limitations of using AI to speed up coding and the potential drawbacks of relying on code reviews to ensure quality. It suggests that a culture of quality and trust among team members is essential to improving the development process.

Main themes

• code review efficiency
• AI in coding
• quality culture
• trust and teamwork
• planning and requirements
• automated testing and sandboxing
• organizational incentives and environment
• development process optimization

What commenters say

• Some commenters argue that the delay in code review is not due to the review itself, but rather due to coordination and communication issues.
• Others suggest that the use of AI in coding can actually increase the number of low-quality pull requests, overwhelming reviewers and decreasing productivity.
• A few commenters propose that planning and requirements gathering can help reduce the need for extensive code reviews and maintenance work.
• Some argue that planning is essential, but excessive planning can be counterproductive, and a balance between planning and doing is necessary.
• The use of automated tests, linting, and sandboxing can help reduce the need for human code reviews and improve the overall development process.
• Others disagree, stating that planning is often useless and that it is better to start working on a project and refine it as needed.
• The importance of trust and a culture of quality within a team is highlighted as a key factor in improving the development process.
• Some commenters also note that the incentives and environment of an organization can significantly impact the effectiveness of code reviews and the use of AI in coding.