Follow-On Commits

Follow-On Commits indicate how many additional commits Pull Requests require to be resolved from the moment they were created.

How to Use It?

  • Refine Code Review Processes: Use Follow-On Commits to pinpoint and address inefficiencies in the code review process, aiming to capture and resolve issues at earlier stages.

  • Enhance contributorTraining: Focus training initiatives on reducing the frequency of Follow-On Commits by improving initial code quality and comprehension, especially in areas where iterative changes are most common.

  • Optimize Task Assignment: Tailor task assignments based on analysis of which types of tasks frequently generate Follow-On Commits, aligning tasks with individual contributor strengths and areas for growth.

  • Improve Collaboration and Communication: Foster a culture of collaborative reviews and enhance communication among team members to proactively address potential issues before the first commit.

  • Benchmark and Set Goals: Establish clear performance benchmarks for Follow-On Commits and monitor progress towards these goals to continually promote more efficient and effective coding practices.


Strategic Implementation of Follow-On Commits:

  • Commit Efficiency Tracking: Monitor the number of Follow-On Commits as an indicator of the initial quality of Pull Requests. A lower number suggests effective initial submissions, while a higher number indicates areas where improvements are necessary.

  • Performance Improvement: Use data on Follow-On Commits to guide continuous improvements in coding practices, aiming to reduce the need for additional revisions post-initial review.

  • Collaboration Enhancement: Leverage insights from Follow-On Commits trends to enhance team collaboration, ensuring that contributors work together more effectively from the onset of task assignments.


Considerations for Implementation:

  • Cultural Fit: Implement this metric in a way that supports a constructive and proactive review culture, avoiding scenarios where it could lead to corrective measures or negative perceptions.

  • Feedback and Adaptation: Regularly solicit feedback from the team on the review process and use insights from Follow-On Commits to adapt and refine practices, ensuring they remain effective and supportive of overall project goals.