Say it like this
- Let me walk you through this code
- Can you do a quick code walkthrough for the team?
- We should schedule a code walkthrough before merging
Use it at work
Setting it up
- Can I do a code walkthrough of the new sync engine on Friday?
- Let's do a code walkthrough before the review. It's a big change.
In the session
- I'll start with the entry point and follow one request.
- Stop me if anything's unclear.
Onboarding
- A code walkthrough is the fastest way to learn this repo.
- I recorded the code walkthrough for new joiners.
Don't say this
Code walkthrough is a noun (a meeting or session), not a verb. Use 'conduct,' 'do,' or 'give' with it.
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| code walkthrough | Author explains code live | Author, for the team | Big changes, onboarding |
| code review | Reviewers check code before merge | Reviewers | Every PR |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. You just finished a complex feature. What do you say to your team lead?
2. We should _______ a code walkthrough with the backend team before we ship this database migration.
3. Which sentence uses 'code walkthrough' incorrectly?
4. Rewrite this sentence using 'code walkthrough': 'I want to explain my code to the team before we check if it is good enough.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"Let me walk you through this code"
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More about code walkthrough
Real examples(3)
- in a standup
"I completed the authentication feature. Should we schedule a code walkthrough with the team before code review?"
- in an email
"I have prepared a code walkthrough for the new API endpoint. Please join the meeting at 2 PM to discuss the implementation."
- in a pull request
"This is a complex refactoring. I recommend a code walkthrough before merging to ensure everyone understands the changes."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Do not confuse with code review. A walkthrough is a presentation/explanation; a review is a critical examination. Also avoid using as a verb without 'do' or 'conduct' — say 'conduct a code walkthrough,' not 'code walkthrough this.'
- ✕A code walkthrough is the same as a code review.✓A code walkthrough explains the code; a code review evaluates and approves it.
These are different processes with different goals. A walkthrough is educational; a review is critical and formal.
- ✕We need to code walkthrough before the sprint ends.✓We need to conduct a code walkthrough before the sprint ends.
Always use a verb like 'conduct,' 'do,' 'have,' or 'schedule' with the noun form.
Other forms(3)
- code walkthrough noun
"The code walkthrough revealed a critical bug in the database query."
- conduct/do/schedule a code walkthrough phrase
"We should schedule a code walkthrough for tomorrow afternoon."
- code-walkthrough session adjective
"The code-walkthrough session lasted about 45 minutes."
Often used with(5)
- conduct a code walkthrough · The most common formal way to use this phrase in professional meetings
- schedule a code walkthrough · Used when planning or arranging a walkthrough meeting
- code walkthrough meeting · Refers to the actual gathering or session where the walkthrough occurs
- code walkthrough session · Alternative to 'meeting,' emphasizing the interactive nature
- before code review · Common pairing; walkthroughs often precede formal reviews
Similar words(4)
- code review · Similar but more formal and critical; reviews focus on approval and quality gates
- code presentation · Broader term; walkthrough emphasizes step-by-step explanation
- code explanation · More informal; walkthrough implies a structured, meeting-based activity
- pair programming session · Both involve code discussion, but pair programming is real-time collaborative coding
Opposites(2)
- silent code review
- asynchronous review
Questions(5)
- What is the difference between a code walkthrough and a code review?
- A code walkthrough is an educational meeting where the developer explains their code to help the team understand it. A code review is a more formal, critical evaluation where reviewers check for bugs, adherence to standards, and approve or request changes before merging. Walkthroughs often happen before reviews.
- How long does a typical code walkthrough take?
- A code walkthrough typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on code complexity. Simple features might need 15–20 minutes, while large refactorings can take 90 minutes or more.
- Who should attend a code walkthrough?
- Team members who will work with the code, including developers, code reviewers, QA engineers, and sometimes tech leads. For critical features, you might invite the whole team.
- Is a code walkthrough required before every pull request?
- Not always. Walkthroughs are most useful for complex, high-risk, or large changes. Simple bug fixes or small refactorings may skip walkthroughs and go straight to asynchronous code review.
- Can a code walkthrough be done asynchronously?
- Walkthroughs are traditionally synchronous meetings, but teams sometimes record them or use detailed written explanations with code comments as asynchronous alternatives.
