Code Readability

Correct Answer: Encourage John to break down complex functions into smaller, simpler functions

The best way to improve the readability of code is to encourage John to break down complex functions into smaller, simpler functions. This makes it easier for others to understand the flow of the program, isolates problems to small parts of the code, and makes it more testable and maintainable. While it can be helpful for John to write extensive comments explaining his complex functions, this is not as effective as simplifying the code itself. Comments can become outdated or be ignored, and they do not solve the underlying complexity of the function. Consulting with other developers before writing any code can be beneficial for catching potential design issues early, however, it does not necessarily improve the readability of the code. Lastly, instructing John to only write basic, simple code and avoid complex logic is not a practical solution. Complex logic is often unavoidable in programming, so it's important to learn how to manage it effectively.

Correct Answer: Discuss your suggestions with the original author of the code to reach a consensus

The most respectful and collaborative approach in a code review process is to discuss your suggestions with the original author of the code. This gives them the opportunity to learn and improve, promotes team collaboration, and reduces the risk of potential misunderstandings that might occur if the code was updated without their knowledge. The other options are not as advisable: updating the code without consulting the author may cause conflicts; leaving suboptimal code because it doesn't affect functionality is a poor practice that can lead to complications down the line; asking the original author to discard their code and start from scratch is unhelpful, disrespectful, and detrimental to morale.

Correct Answer: Ask the author of the code to refactor it by using simpler terms and structuring the code in a more logical, easy-to-understand manner.

The best course of action in this situation is to ask the author of the code to refactor it by using simpler terms and structuring the code in a more logical, easy-to-understand manner. This enables team members to understand the code better and fosters a culture of shared responsibility for code quality. Ignoring the complaints and urging the team members to increase their coding skills is not a viable solution, as it undermines team morale and does not address the core issue. Rewrite the entire module yourself is not a good idea either, because this doesn't help the team understand and learn from the original mistakes. And simply, allocating more time for the team members to understand the code does not address the problem at its root, which lies in the readability of the code.