When software is written, someone needs to double-check it to be sure it really works and has been tested properly. The best person for that job is another developer—someone who:
- Understands what the program is supposed to do, and
- Did not write the code themselves.
Why a fellow developer (who didn’t write it) is ideal
| Reason | Plain-English Explanation |
|---|---|
| Fresh eyes catch hidden mistakes | The original coder may overlook their own typos or logic errors because they “see what they expect to see.” A teammate starts with a clean slate and spots things faster. |
| Knows the tech details | Another developer speaks the same programming language and understands frameworks, libraries, and performance tricks. They can judge whether the code is efficient and secure. |
| Understands the requirements | Because they know what the application should accomplish, they can verify that the code meets business needs and doesn’t cut corners. |
| Promotes shared knowledge | Peer reviews spread know-how across the team. If only one person ever sees the code, no one else can step in quickly when there’s a bug or feature request. |
| Supports healthy separation of duties | Letting someone else review the work reduces the risk of unchecked errors or intentional shortcuts slipping through. |
Key takeaway
For the most reliable, accurate review, have a knowledgeable developer who didn’t write the code look it over. They combine technical skill with a fresh perspective—catching bugs early, sharing knowledge, and keeping the quality bar high.
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