Code Review in Visual Studio

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 128 views

Introduction

As developers, we understand the importance of code reviews in ensuring the quality and maintainability of our codebase. Code reviews are a crucial step in the software development process, allowing team members to discuss and improve code without scheduled meetings. In this article, we will review Review Assistant, a code review plug-in for Visual Studio that provides a comprehensive set of features to streamline the code review process.

Key Features of Review Assistant

Review Assistant is a powerful code review tool that integrates seamlessly with Visual Studio. The tool provides a range of features that make it an ideal choice for developers who want to improve their codebase. Some of the key features of Review Assistant include:

Code Review in Visual Studio

One of the most significant advantages of Review Assistant is its ability to create review comments directly from the code editor. This feature allows developers to review code without leaving the Visual Studio environment. The Code Review Board window displays created reviews and allows you to manage them. What's more, the Code Review Board contains all code-related discussions, making it easy to track and manage code reviews.

Flexible Code Reviews

Review Assistant allows you to choose a simple or strict code review workflow for your projects. This flexibility is essential in ensuring that code reviews are tailored to the specific needs of your project. Any developer can start post-commit code review on any set of revisions, making it easy to review code at any stage of the development process.

Discussions in Code

Code reviews are about improving your codebase, and comments and discussions within your team are the heart of the process. Review Assistant supports threaded comments, allowing team members to discuss code without scheduled meetings. This feature is particularly useful in large teams where face-to-face discussions may not be feasible.

Iterative Review with Defect Fixing

Review Assistant supports multiple comment-fix-verify cycles in one review. This feature allows developers to iterate on code reviews, fixing defects and improving code quality. The tool also provides a clear audit trail of changes, making it easy to track and manage code reviews.

Team Foundation Server Integration

Review Assistant provides deeper integration with TFS and Visual Studio Online. This integration allows developers to leverage the power of TFS and Visual Studio Online, streamlining the code review process and improving collaboration.

Notifications

Review Assistant allows you to set up the server to send email notifications about code review events. The client also provides additional pop-up notifications within Visual Studio, ensuring that developers are always informed about code review events.

Reports and Statistics

Review Assistant provides a set of reports that help you steer the code review process. These reports provide valuable insights into code review metrics, allowing you to identify areas for improvement and optimize the code review process.

Why Choose Review Assistant Over Native Code Review Feature of Visual Studio?

While Visual Studio provides a native code review feature, Review Assistant offers several advantages that make it an ideal choice for developers. Some of the key reasons to choose Review Assistant over the native code review feature of Visual Studio include:

Review Multiple Changesets: Review Assistant allows you to review multiple changesets, making it easy to review code at any stage of the development process.
Hold Iterative Reviews: Review Assistant supports multiple comment-fix-verify cycles in one review, allowing developers to iterate on code reviews and improve code quality.
Set a Policy to Prevent Checking-in Code Without a Review: Review Assistant allows you to set a policy to prevent checking-in code without a review, ensuring that code is reviewed before it is checked-in.
Enable Formal Code Reviews with a Moderator: Review Assistant allows you to enable formal code reviews with a moderator, ensuring that code reviews are conducted in a structured and formal manner.
View Code Review Statistics and Reports: Review Assistant provides a set of reports that help you steer the code review process, providing valuable insights into code review metrics.

Conclusion

Q: What is Review Assistant and how does it work?

A: Review Assistant is a code review plug-in for Visual Studio that allows developers to create review requests and respond to them without leaving the Visual Studio environment. It supports TFS, Subversion, Git, Mercurial, and Perforce, and provides a range of features to streamline the code review process.

Q: What are the key features of Review Assistant?

A: Some of the key features of Review Assistant include:

Code Review in Visual Studio: Create review comments directly from the code editor
Flexible Code Reviews: Choose a simple or strict code review workflow for your projects
Discussions in Code: Support threaded comments for team discussions
Iterative Review with Defect Fixing: Support multiple comment-fix-verify cycles in one review
Team Foundation Server Integration: Deeper integration with TFS and Visual Studio Online
Notifications: Send email notifications about code review events
Reports and Statistics: Provide a set of reports to help you steer the code review process

Q: How does Review Assistant integrate with Visual Studio?

A: Review Assistant integrates seamlessly with Visual Studio, allowing developers to create review comments directly from the code editor. The Code Review Board window displays created reviews and allows you to manage them.

Q: Can I use Review Assistant with multiple version control systems?

A: Yes, Review Assistant supports multiple version control systems, including TFS, Subversion, Git, Mercurial, and Perforce.

Q: How do I set up Review Assistant?

A: To set up Review Assistant, you need to install the plug-in from the Visual Studio Marketplace. Once installed, you can configure the settings to suit your needs.

Q: Can I customize the code review workflow in Review Assistant?

A: Yes, Review Assistant allows you to choose a simple or strict code review workflow for your projects. You can also customize the settings to suit your needs.

Q: How do I track code reviews in Review Assistant?

A: Review Assistant provides a Code Review Board window that displays created reviews and allows you to manage them. You can also use the reports and statistics feature to track code reviews.

Q: Can I use Review Assistant with a team?

A: Yes, Review Assistant is designed for team use. You can create review requests and respond to them with your team members.

Q: How do I get started with Review Assistant?

A: To get started with Review Assistant, you need to install the plug-in from the Visual Studio Marketplace. Once installed, you can configure the settings to suit your needs and start using the tool.

Q: What are the system requirements for Review Assistant?

A: Review Assistant requires Visual Studio 2015 or later to run. It also requires a version control system, such as TFS, Subversion, Git, Mercurial, or Perforce.

Q: Is Review Assistant free?

A: Review Assistant offers a free trial, and then it requires a license to use. You can purchase a license from the Visual Studio Marketplace.

Q: Can I get support for Review Assistant?

A: Yes, Review Assistant provides support through the Visual Studio Marketplace. You can also contact the support team for assistance.

Q: How do I uninstall Review Assistant?

A: To uninstall Review Assistant, you need to go to the Control Panel and uninstall the plug-in. You can also use the Visual Studio Marketplace to uninstall the plug-in.

Q: Can I use Review Assistant with other tools?

A: Yes, Review Assistant can be used with other tools, such as TFS, Subversion, Git, Mercurial, and Perforce. It also integrates with Visual Studio Online.

Q: How do I update Review Assistant?

A: To update Review Assistant, you need to go to the Visual Studio Marketplace and update the plug-in. You can also use the built-in update feature in Visual Studio to update the plug-in.