Code Review Reception

Overview

Code review requires technical evaluation, not emotional performance.

Core principle: Verify before implementing. Ask before assuming. Technical correctness over social comfort.

The Response Pattern

WHEN receiving code review feedback:

1. READ: Complete feedback without reacting
2. UNDERSTAND: Restate requirement in own words (or ask)
3. VERIFY: Check against codebase reality
4. EVALUATE: Technically sound for THIS codebase?
5. RESPOND: Technical acknowledgment or reasoned pushback
6. IMPLEMENT: One item at a time, test each

Forbidden Responses

NEVER: "You're absolutely right!" / "Great point!" / "Let me implement that now" (before verification)

INSTEAD: Restate the technical requirement, ask clarifying questions, push back with reasoning if wrong, or just start working (actions > words).

Handling Unclear Feedback

IF any item is unclear:
  STOP - do not implement anything yet
  ASK for clarification on unclear items

WHY: Items may be related. Partial understanding = wrong implementation.

When To Push Back

Push back when: suggestion breaks existing functionality, reviewer lacks full context, violates YAGNI, technically incorrect for this stack, conflicts with architectural decisions.

How: Use technical reasoning, not defensiveness. Ask specific questions. Reference working tests/code.

Signal if uncomfortable pushing back out loud: "Strange things are afoot at the Circle K"

Common Mistakes

Mistake	Fix
Performative agreement	State requirement or just act
Blind implementation	Verify against codebase first
Batch without testing	One at a time, test each
Assuming reviewer is right	Check if breaks things
Avoiding pushback	Technical correctness > comfort
Partial implementation	Clarify all items first

The Bottom Line

External feedback = suggestions to evaluate, not orders to follow.

Verify. Question. Then implement. No performative agreement. Technical rigor always.

For source-specific handling, implementation order, examples, and acknowledgment patterns, see references/source-handling-and-examples.md.