In software testing, the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) defines various types of reviews as part of its standard glossary of testing terms. Here’s a brief overview of some of the common review types according to ISTQB:
- Informal Review: Also known as a ‘buddy review’ or ‘desk check,’ informal reviews are conducted without a formal process or predefined criteria. It’s usually a quick and ad-hoc method where colleagues or peers review each other’s work casually.
- Technical Review: A formal review where a team of technical experts examines the software product or its components. Technical reviews aim to identify defects or areas of improvement in the technical aspects of the product, such as design, architecture, and code.
- Walkthrough: This review type involves a step-by-step examination of the product, often guided by the author of the document or the person responsible for the work being reviewed. The focus is on understanding the content, logic, and structure of the product.
- Inspection: An in-depth and formal review process where reviewers thoroughly examine the product’s documentation, code, or other artifacts to identify defects, deviations from standards, or potential problems. Inspections typically follow a structured process and involve multiple participants.
- Peer Review: A review conducted by colleagues or peers who have similar roles or expertise. Peer reviews focus on improving the quality of the work product by leveraging the knowledge and insights of team members.
- Management Review: A review involving project or organizational management to assess the progress, quality, and overall status of the project. Management reviews often focus on broader aspects such as project milestones, resource allocation, and adherence to organizational goals.
- Formal Review: A review conducted following a predefined process with documented criteria and objectives. Formal reviews typically involve multiple stakeholders, follow specific review procedures, and result in formal review reports.
- Walkaround: A review method where reviewers examine the product or its components by physically walking around the product or its representations. This approach is often used in hardware-related reviews, such as reviewing physical prototypes or manufacturing facilities.