Code Smells

Code Smells

Should Code Smells Block a Pull Request?

Code smells rarely break production, but they can predict future pain. Here's a practical take on when to block a merge—and when to let it go.

Sep 21, 2026 20 views

Code Smells

SonarQube vs. Semgrep vs. Human Review: Which Actually Kills Code Smells?

Static analysis and human review catch different smells. We compare SonarQube, Semgrep, and human review on three criteria and declare a winner for ea...

Sep 20, 2026 20 views

Code Smells

Why I Let Machines Catch Code Smells (And You Should Too)

Stop burning out your reviewers on complexity thresholds and duplication. Let tools flag the boring stuff. Save humans for the weird, judgment-heavy p...

Sep 20, 2026 22 views

Code Smells

SonarQube vs. Semgrep vs. Human Review for Code Smells

I pit SonarQube, Semgrep, and human review against each other to help you decide how to catch code smells without wasting your team's time.

Sep 11, 2026 34 views

Code Smells

Code Smells Are a Symptom: Fix the Process, Not Just the Code

Chasing code smells with static analysis alone misses the real fix: process. Google's data shows review speed and small changes matter most.

Sep 08, 2026 38 views

Code Smells

Code Smells: How to Spot Them in Review and Actually Fix Them

Stop ignoring code smells in review. Here's my hands-on guide to catching them early, fixing them fast, and keeping your codebase healthy—without bike...

Sep 06, 2026 47 views

Code Smells

Are Code Smells the Wrong Metric? A Case for Cognitive Complexity

I argue that chasing code smells hurts code review. The real target should be cognitive complexity and maintainability, not isolated smells.

Sep 03, 2026 53 views

Code Smells

Stop Hunting Bugs: Why Code Smells Are Your Review's Real Target

Code review isn't about catching bugs—it's about stopping code smells. Here's how to shift your focus and improve code health.

Aug 31, 2026 45 views

Code Smells

Why Blocking Every Code Smell Is Killing Your Codebase's Health

I argue that obsessing over code smells during review is a trap. The real goal is code health, not perfection. Learn why you should approve that 'smel...

Aug 28, 2026 41 views

Code Smells

Stop Hunting Bugs: The Real Code Smell is Your Review Process

We obsess over code smells in the diff, but the biggest smell is a review process that's slow, unfocused, and defensive. Here's how to fix yours.

Aug 26, 2026 37 views

Code Smells

Code Smells: Static Analysis Tools vs. Human Review

Static analysis tools catch mechanical issues, but human review finds design problems. Here's how to balance both for better code health.

Aug 26, 2026 35 views

Code Smells

Code Smells Are Not Bugs: Stop Fixing the Wrong Things

Code smells aren't bugs. They're signals. Here's how to tell them apart, why most static analyzers miss the point, and why your review should focus on...

Aug 23, 2026 40 views

Code Smells

Stop Hunting for Smells: Review for Design, Not Perfection

Code smells aren't the real problem. You're wasting review time on nits while the big picture—design, clarity, and over-engineering—goes unchecked. He...

Aug 21, 2026 39 views

Code Smells

Code Smells Are Not Subjective: How to Make Your Review Objective

A field report on making code review objective using static analysis metrics, small PRs, and a quality gate.

Aug 18, 2026 42 views

Code Smells

Code Smells Aren't Subjective: How to Make Your Review Objective

Many devs think code smells are just style preferences. Wrong. They're measurable, and your review should measure them. Here's how to use static analy...

Aug 18, 2026 38 views