From my experience with Review Board, I found it excels at providing a robust, open-source platform for collaborative code review that integrates well with multiple version control systems. Spending time with the tool, I can say it’s particularly well-suited for development teams and open source projects that need a customizable and self-hosted solution. However, the user interface feels somewhat dated compared to newer commercial alternatives, and setup requires technical knowledge. Overall, if you need a free, extensible code review tool with strong version control support, Review Board delivers solid results.
Review Board Code Review Tool for Collaborative Software Development
Review Board is an open-source web-based tool that facilitates collaborative code reviews by integrating with multiple version control systems, enabling developers to submit, review, and discuss code changes efficiently.
- Best for
- Code Review Management
- Key capability
- Multi-VCS Support
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Sign in or create a free accountWhat is Review Board?
Review Board is an open-source web-based code review tool designed to help software development teams improve code quality through collaborative peer review. It supports multiple version control systems and provides an intuitive interface for submitting, reviewing, and discussing code changes before integration.
Key features of Review Board
Key features include multi-repository support, inline commenting, issue tracking, integration with popular version control systems, and extensibility through APIs and plugins.
Multi-VCS Support
Supports Git, Mercurial, Perforce, and Subversion repositories for flexible workflows.
Inline Commenting
Allows precise feedback directly on specific lines of code.
Dashboard and Notifications
Centralized dashboard for tracking review requests and email notifications to keep teams informed.
Extensible API
Provides APIs for integration with other tools and custom workflows.
Open Source and Self-Hosted
Free to use and can be hosted on-premises for full control over data.
Pros and cons of Review Board
Pros
- Open source with no licensing costs
- Supports multiple version control systems
- Rich inline commenting and discussion features
- Extensible via APIs and plugins
- Self-hosting option for data control
Cons
- User interface can feel dated compared to newer tools
- Setup and maintenance require technical expertise
- Hosted service pricing is not publicly listed
Key use cases for Review Board
Code Review Management
Facilitates peer review of source code changes to improve software quality and catch bugs early.
Collaboration for Development Teams
Enables developers to discuss, comment, and approve code changes collaboratively.
Integration with Version Control Systems
Supports integration with Git, Mercurial, Perforce, and Subversion for seamless code review workflows.
Automated Review Requests
Allows automated creation and tracking of review requests to streamline development cycles.
Compliance and Audit Trails
Maintains detailed history of code reviews for compliance and auditing purposes.
How Review Board works
- 1
Submit a Review Request
Developers upload code changes or link commits from supported version control systems to create a review request.
- 2
Assign Reviewers
Review requests are assigned to team members who will examine the code and provide feedback.
- 3
Review and Comment
Reviewers inspect the code, add inline comments, and discuss issues or improvements.
- 4
Approve or Request Changes
After discussion, reviewers approve the changes or request further modifications.
- 5
Integrate Code
Once approved, the code changes are merged into the main codebase.
Who is using Review Board
Software development teams
Open source project maintainers
DevOps engineers
Quality assurance teams
Enterprises requiring code audit trails
Review Board pricing
Open Source
$0
Free self-hosted version with full features.
Hosted Service
Contact for pricing
Managed cloud hosting with support and maintenance.
Plans and prices are as published by the vendor and can change. Check the official site before you buy. Open the pricing page (opens in a new tab)
Frequently asked questions about Review Board
Review Board supports Git, Mercurial, Perforce, and Subversion.
Yes, the core Review Board software is open source and free to self-host.
Yes, Review Board offers APIs and webhooks to integrate with continuous integration and deployment tools.
Yes, reviewers can add comments directly on specific lines of code.
This tool is designed to help users accomplish its core tasks more efficiently. It is typically used by individuals or teams looking to improve productivity and workflow.
Some tools offer a free plan or trial with limited features. Availability can vary, so confirm on the official website.
It depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use the tool. The official website and documentation are the best sources for the latest details.
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