What is the first step in an effective code review process?

Identifying security code review objectives is a crucial first step in an effective code review process because it helps set clear parameters and goals for the review. By establishing what the review aims to achieve—whether it's finding bugs, security vulnerabilities, compliance with coding standards, or adherence to architectural guidelines—teams can focus their efforts and allocate appropriate resources.

This step ensures that everyone involved understands the purpose and importance of the review, which can lead to more effective discussions and outcomes. It helps in framing the context for the review, allowing reviewers to prioritize their efforts based on the identified objectives. For instance, if the primary objective is to improve security, then the review can be tailored toward identifying vulnerabilities, best practices in secure coding, and necessary security testing.

By first determining the objectives, subsequent steps in the review process can be more structured and effective. Without this foundational step, the review process may become scattered, with competing priorities that dilute the effectiveness of the code review.