T1: Training: CODEOWNERS: Ensuring Code Quality and Governance

CODEOWNERS Training: Ensuring Code Quality and Governance

1. Introduction

• Objective of the Training

  • Equip CODEOWNERS with a clear understanding of their responsibilities in maintaining code quality.
  • Enable CODEOWNERS to effectively enforce coding standards during pull request (PR) reviews.
  • Provide a practical checklist to guide reviews and ensure compliance with standards.

• Why Standards Matter

  • Consistency across codebases improves maintainability and scalability.
  • Standards promote readability and ease onboarding for new contributors.
  • Clear processes streamline governance and ensure smooth project progress.

2. Standards Overview

1. Coding Standards: Principles from Code Complete

   • Prioritize simplicity, clarity, and maintainability in code.
   • Enforce meaningful naming conventions, modular design, and reusable code.
   • Promote thorough testing and debugging.

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2. Issue Description Guidelines

   • Ensure issues are clearly described with:
     • Summary of the problem.
     • Steps to reproduce and expected outcomes.
     • Labels, assignees, and related milestones.

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3. Milestone Description Guidelines

   • Define SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) milestones.
   • Outline scope and objectives clearly to align with project goals.

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4. Commit Messages: The 50-72 Rule

   • Use concise, clear subject lines (50 characters).
   • Wrap the body at 72 characters per line.
   • Separate subject and body with a blank line.
   • Use the imperative mood (e.g., "Fix bug" instead of "Fixed bug").

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5. Semantic Versioning and Testing Suite Alignment

   • Follow the MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH format:
     • MAJOR: Incompatible API changes.
     • MINOR: Backward-compatible feature additions.
     • PATCH: Backward-compatible bug fixes.
   • Ensure alignment between version updates and test suites.

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3. CODEOWNERS Responsibilities

• Primary Role

  • Review PRs for compliance with standards and governance processes.
  • Act as gatekeepers for ensuring code quality and project integrity.

• Key Actions During PR Reviews

  • Validate adherence to coding standards and principles.
  • Confirm issues, milestones, and commit messages meet guidelines.
  • Ensure versioning aligns with the changes made and associated tests are updated.
  • Provide clear and actionable feedback to contributors.

4. PR Review Checklist

Use this checklist to enforce standards and ensure consistency during PR reviews:

1. Code Quality

   • Is the code simple, clear, and maintainable?
   • Are naming conventions consistent and meaningful?
   • Is the code modular and reusable?

2. Issue Descriptions

   • Are issues well-defined and labelled appropriately?
   • Do they include steps to reproduce and expected vs. actual outcomes?

3. Milestones

   • Are milestones SMART and aligned with project goals?
   • Is the scope clearly outlined?

4. Commit Messages

   • Do commit messages follow the 50-72 rule?
   • Are they written in the imperative mood and appropriately formatted?

5. Semantic Versioning

   • Is the version number updated correctly (MAJOR, MINOR, PATCH)?
   • Are test suites updated to reflect new changes?

6. Documentation

   • Is new functionality or significant change documented?
   • Are README files or wikis updated as necessary?

7. Testing

   • Are new features covered with adequate tests?
   • Do all tests pass, including regression tests?

8. Feedback

   • Is feedback constructive, actionable, and specific?
   • Are necessary changes clearly communicated?

5. Governance in Pull Request Reviews

• Goals

  • Maintain a collaborative and respectful review process.
  • Encourage knowledge sharing and improvement across the team.
  • Build trust by ensuring high-quality and consistent contributions.

• Best Practices

  • Use comments to guide contributors on improving their code.
  • Align reviews with project goals and technical roadmaps.
  • Ensure that governance decisions are documented for future reference.

6. Closing

• Key Takeaways

  • CODEOWNERS play a critical role in maintaining code quality and enforcing standards.
  • The checklist ensures a structured and thorough review process.
  • Consistent application of standards improves project quality and team collaboration.

• Resources for Continuous Learning

  • RDK Central Coding Standards
  • Code Complete (Summary)