Code Review Best Practices: When (and When Not) to Use "Request Changes"

Code reviews should foster collaboration and learning, not control and power dynamics. The primary goals of code reviews are to ensure code is understandable and to share knowledge among team members. Requesting changes should be reserved for critical issues like broken builds, security risks, or violations of major architectural rules. Subjective feedback on style or design should be approached as a conversation, providing context and explanations for suggestions. Using "Request Changes" for subjective preferences stifles collaboration and creates a "my way or the highway" environment. Teams should standardize subjective coding styles using linters and formatters to avoid unnecessary debate. Employing conventional comments with prefixes clarifies the intent of feedback and promotes constructive discussions. Prioritize building trust through collaborative exchanges rather than issuing commands during reviews. The ultimate aim of code reviews is to collectively improve the software, not to win arguments. Avoid misusing the "Request Changes" button and focus on open communication.