© 2001 Hans Schaefer Slide no. 1 Fast reviews Fast reviews for small immature organizations Hans Schaefer Software Test Consulting N-5281 Valestrandsfossen, Norway http//:home.c2i.net/schaefer/ How to analyze documents and find errors An initial review process without bureaucracy How to improve over time

© 2001 Hans Schaefer Slide no. 2 Fast reviews Why this presentation Reviews are THE most important technique to detect defects INSPECTION is the most effective review technique. BUT: Inspections need infrastructure and organizational maturity, which is not always given. Here, I present a review technique to be used by immature organizations. It does not find as many defects as inspections. But over time, it can be developed.

© 2001 Hans Schaefer Slide no. 3 Fast reviews Inspection process Two meetings Moderator needed Checklists available Material meets entry criteria Evaluation and improvement of the Inspection process itself In practice, inspection often deteriorates.

© 2001 Hans Schaefer Slide no. 4 Fast reviews Fast Review Process The two most important factors in inspections are: get qualified people to attend let them use enough time to prepare For a faster process, I leave out the meetings and let the author control the process: Fast review = Active Author Reader Cycle.

© 2001 Hans Schaefer Slide no. 5 Fast reviews The Process Author finds reviewer(s) Overview with reviewer Reviewer reading Focus on important defects to find Reviewer returns findings to author Controlled by author, surveilled by project manager

© 2001 Hans Schaefer Slide no. 6 Fast reviews About the process (1) Finding reviewers: Author chooses one or more people Project manager makes sure there IS a review Project manager follows up their qualification Project manager makes sure they take the time Project manager involved only if problems occur!

© 2001 Hans Schaefer Slide no. 7 Fast reviews About the Process (2) Overview with reviewer: Author informs about risk factors Maybe, author makes a checklist Maybe no physical meeting, just written info

© 2001 Hans Schaefer Slide no. 8 Fast reviews About the Process (3) Reviewer reading: Just like any other inspection preparation. Problem: Not so good checklist - Try to replace this by qualification. Read document, find problems, describe problems. Project manager follows up time use. In inspection, it is HERE you find the problems!

© 2001 Hans Schaefer Slide no. 9 Fast reviews About the Process (4) Feedback to author: Written or in meeting. Author should ask reviewer for clarification. Reviewer signature. No large meeting. No bureaucracy, no need for moderator, no ”loosing face”. Fast feedback But less control with reviewers and no synergy effect.

© 2001 Hans Schaefer Slide no. 10 Fast reviews The technique in Extreme Programming Pair programming, testing and design Continuous review of what is produced Continuous active involvement of a second view No special preparation, as questions are asked continuously.

© 2001 Hans Schaefer Slide no. 11 Fast reviews How to improve over time Prepare SOME checklists Get an idea about time use Introduce inspections where more than two reviewers needed.

© 2001 Hans Schaefer Slide no. 12 Fast reviews Problems with author reader cycles Lack of control: Author may not be interested Reader may not be qualified or have no time Focus may be wrong (not on main risk factors) No data between reviews No learning of better review process

© 2001 Hans Schaefer Slide no. 13 Fast reviews How to overcome problems SOME project manager involvement. Buddy system forcing everyone to participate. Discuss major defects found too late (in testing). Expect a minimum number of defects to be found! A minimum education in review techniques (half day).

© 2001 Hans Schaefer Slide no. 14 Fast reviews Review Quality Criteria The right (qualified) readers are chosen They have time to read They find at least some errors Concentration on MAJOR issues (EDUCATE!) Reviews are not an option Follow up of major defects not found in reviews Assess what you do yourself!