Exploring the Dual Nature of Code Review: Implications for Investigative Methods and Tool Development

Speaker: Alberto Bacchelli, University of Zurich

Abstract: 
In this presentation, we will examine the critical significance of acknowledging the dual nature of code review when conducting research and developing tools to assist individuals engaged in this task. By dual nature, we refer to both the technical aspect of identifying and addressing code issues and the collaborative aspect of facilitating knowledge sharing and fostering effective communication among team members. 
We will analyze the limitations of existing code review tools, which, based on common sense and tradition, occasionally fail to support the dual nature of code review adequately, and explore the potential consequences this may have on the outcomes of reviews. By doing so, we aim to emphasize the need for a more comprehensive approach to tool development that prioritizes both aspects of code review equally. 
Furthermore, we will demonstrate that devising and evaluating novel tools to support code review without considering the dual nature of this process can result in flawed findings and unreliable conclusions. 
Through this presentation, we strive to promote a more holistic understanding of code review, emphasizing the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to investigate and support this fundamental aspect of software development.

Biography:
Dr. Bacchelli is an Associate Professor of Empirical Software Engineering at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, where he leads the Zurich Empirical Software Engineering Team (ZEST). 
His overarching research vision focuses on driving innovation in software engineering through empirical research and software tool development. By increasing our understanding of current software development practices, Dr. Bacchelli aims to create tools, languages, and development environments grounded in robust empirical evidence and theory to enhance software engineering quality. 
Dr. Bacchelli has received numerous accolades for his work, including the MSR Ric Holt Early Career Achievement Award 2020 for his groundbreaking contributions to modern code review. Dr. Bacchelli has been awarded a total of eight between Best Paper Awards and ACM SIGSOFT Distinguished Paper Awards, granted by the most prestigious academic venues in software engineering and computer-supported collaborative work. He received his PhD from the Università della Svizzera italiana and his Bachelors and Masters from the University of Bologna, Italy.

Chair: Marco D'Ambros

To join online: https://tinyurl.com/22r2p4us