Software Development Lifecycle

This skill provides guidance on the software development lifecycle, with emphasis on code review and iterative improvement.

Code Review Process

All significant code changes require 3 sequential code reviews, each followed by refactoring.

Process

1. Review Phase: Conduct a thorough code review, documenting findings
2. Refactor Phase: Make changes based on the review findings
3. Repeat: Pass the refactored code to the next reviewer

Each subsequent reviewer sees the refactored code from the previous cycle.

Review Criteria

Each review should evaluate:

• Correctness: Does the code work as intended? Are edge cases handled?
• Design: Does the code follow SOLID principles? Is coupling minimized?
• Readability: Are names intention-revealing? Is the code easy to understand?
• Simplicity: Does the code follow the Four Rules of Simple Design?
• Testing: Are tests adequate? Do they serve as executable specifications?
• Security: Are there any security vulnerabilities? (See the security skill for detailed guidance)

For AI Agents

When implementing the code review process with subagents:

1. Complete the initial implementation
2. Spawn a subagent with the role "Code Reviewer 1" to review and refactor
3. Spawn a second subagent with the role "Code Reviewer 2" to review the refactored code and refactor again
4. Spawn a third subagent with the role "Code Reviewer 3" for final review and refactoring

Each subagent should:

• First produce a written code review documenting findings
• Then make the refactoring changes based on those findings
• Consider security implications in every review

Development Workflow

Before Writing Code

• Understand the requirements fully before starting
• Consider the design implications
• Think about how the code will be tested

While Writing Code

• Write tests first (TDD) when practical
• Keep commits small and focused
• Refactor continuously

After Writing Code

• Run the full test suite
• Conduct the 3-review process
• Ensure documentation is updated if needed