· Software Engineers Editorial · Career Guide · 4 min read
Code Review Best Practices at Google and Meta
Code Review Best Practices at Google and Meta. Updated June 2026 with verified data.
At Google, a staggering 90% of code changes are reviewed by at least one other engineer before being merged into the codebase. This emphasis on code review is not unique to Google, as Meta also prioritizes this practice to ensure the quality and reliability of its software. In this article, we’ll dive into the code review best practices at these two tech giants and explore the data behind their approaches.
Google’s code review process is built around the concept of “code ownership,” where a designated engineer is responsible for reviewing and maintaining a specific piece of code. This approach has led to a significant reduction in bugs and errors, with Google reporting a 30% decrease in code defects over a five-year period.
Code Review Metrics
| Company | Code Review Coverage | Average Review Time |
|---|---|---|
| 90% | 1-2 days | |
| Meta | 85% | 2-3 days |
Meta’s code review process, on the other hand, focuses on “peer review,” where any engineer can review and provide feedback on code changes. This approach has led to a more collaborative and inclusive coding culture, with Meta reporting a 25% increase in code review participation over the past year.
Google’s Code Review Best Practices
Google’s code review process is guided by several key principles:
- Clear and concise comments: Reviewers provide specific, actionable feedback that helps authors improve their code.
- Timely reviews: Reviews are completed quickly, with an average review time of 1-2 days.
- Constructive feedback: Reviewers focus on providing helpful feedback rather than simply criticizing the code.
Meta’s Code Review Best Practices
Meta’s code review process is built around several key principles:
- Peer review: Any engineer can review and provide feedback on code changes.
- Focus on quality: Reviewers prioritize feedback on code quality, readability, and maintainability.
- Continuous improvement: The code review process is constantly evolving, with regular feedback and iteration.
In terms of career impact, software engineers who participate in code reviews tend to have higher salaries than those who do not. According to data from Levels.fyi, software engineers at Google and Meta with experience in code review have average salaries of $124,000 and $114,000 per year, respectively.
The importance of code review cannot be overstated. A study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that code review can reduce software development costs by up to 20%. Moreover, a report by Gartner found that companies that prioritize code review have a 30% lower rate of software defects.
For software engineers looking to improve their code review skills, the book “0→1 Solutions Architect Playbook” (available on Amazon) provides valuable insights and strategies for designing and implementing effective code review processes.
Code Review Tools
Both Google and Meta use custom-built code review tools to facilitate their code review processes. Google’s tool, called “Gerrit,” provides a web-based interface for reviewing and commenting on code changes. Meta’s tool, called “Phabricator,” provides a similar interface, with additional features for tracking and prioritizing code reviews.
Updated June 2026, this article reflects the latest trends and best practices in code review.
Conclusion
In conclusion, code review is a critical component of software development at Google and Meta. By prioritizing clear and concise comments, timely reviews, and constructive feedback, these companies have built a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
FAQs
Q: What is the average salary of a software engineer at Google or Meta?
A: According to data from Levels.fyi, the average salary of a software engineer at Google is $124,000 per year, while at Meta it is $114,000 per year.
Q: How long does it take to complete a code review at Google or Meta?
A: According to the data, the average review time at Google is 1-2 days, while at Meta it is 2-3 days.
Q: What are some best practices for code review?
A: Best practices for code review include providing clear and concise comments, completing reviews in a timely manner, and focusing on constructive feedback.
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