Benefits of automated code review tools

Automated code review tools transform the way developers interact with their codebase and each other. Here, we'll explore the benefits of automated code reviews, using Graphite Automations as a prime example.

Why use automated code review tools?

Automated code review tools bring several advantages that significantly improve the software development lifecycle:

1. Time efficiency: Automated tools drastically reduce the time spent on manual reviews. For instance, Graphite Automations can automatically assign reviewers, add labels, and even post comments based on specific triggers like file paths or PR authors. This automation ensures that pull requests are handled promptly, leading to faster development cycles.

2. Consistency in reviews: Automation ensures that every pull request is reviewed with the same set of standards. Rules can be set to automatically check for code standards, and actions such as leaving comments or adding labels can be triggered, ensuring that every code review is thorough and consistent.

3. Reduced human error: By automating repetitive tasks, tools like Graphite minimize the likelihood of human error. Automated checks can catch potential issues that might be overlooked by a human reviewer, improving the overall quality of the code.

4. Enhanced focus for developers: With mundane tasks automated, developers can focus on more critical aspects of code review and development. This leads to better use of time and resources, allowing teams to innovate and improve their products more effectively.

Examples of automated code review advantages

Graphite Automations provides a robust platform for setting up automated actions triggered by specific conditions in pull requests. Here are some examples:

• Automating reviewer assignments: Configure Graphite to automatically assign reviewers when a PR changes files in a particular directory. This ensures that the right experts review relevant changes without manual intervention.
• Label management: Automatically add labels to PRs based on the type of changes (e.g., frontend, backend, security), which helps in categorizing and prioritizing reviews.
• Immediate feedback: Leave automated comments for common issues detected, such as syntax errors or failing tests. This immediate feedback can prevent small issues from turning into larger problems down the line.

Setting up Graphite Automations

Automating tedious code review tasks with Graphite Automations is straightforward. These tools enable developers to automate actions like assigning reviewers, adding labels, and leaving comments based on specific conditions in pull requests (PRs). Here’s how you can set up automation rules in Graphite:

Navigate to the Automations page

1. Log in to the Graphite web app and locate the Automations option in the sidebar.
2. Click Create rule to start configuring your automation.

Define your automation rule

Each automation rule consists of two parts: a filter trigger and an action.

1. Specify the filter trigger:

   • Use filters based on PR attributes like author, file paths, or specific patterns. For example, you can set triggers for PRs affecting **/myteam/** directories or files with .ts extensions using glob patterns.
   • These filters mirror the flexibility of Graphite's PR inbox.

2. Select the actions to automate: Graphite supports several automated actions, including:

   • Adding reviewers (individuals or GitHub teams).
   • Assigning PRs (e.g., making the author the assignee).
   • Adding labels for categorization (e.g., frontend, backend).
   • Leaving comments for reminders or guidelines.
   • Sending Slack notifications (e.g., for changes to sensitive files).
   • Posting a GIF to celebrate PR approvals.

Test and activate the rule

1. Preview past PRs matching your rule to ensure your conditions and actions are configured correctly.
2. Once satisfied, click Activate rule. This applies the rule to all open and future PRs that meet the specified conditions.

Note: Rules evaluate PRs only once. If a rule doesn’t match initially, it will re-evaluate on updates until it does. However, once triggered, it won’t reapply to the same PR.

Manage automation rules

• View active rules: Access the Automations page to see all active rules in your GitHub organization for repositories you can access.
• Edit rules: Use the pencil icon to modify existing rules. Keep in mind that changes will not retroactively apply to previously matched PRs.
• Deactivate rules: Rules can be toggled off when no longer needed.

Summary

The benefits of automated code review tools are clear: they save time, enhance consistency, reduce errors, and allow developers to focus on what's important. Graphite Automations exemplifies how automation can be introduced into the code review process, making it a valuable asset for any development team.