BABEȘ-BOLYAI UNIVERSITY CLUJ-NAPOCA

FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER

SCIENCE

SPECIALIZATION SOFTWARE ENGINEERING IN

ENGLISH

ENHANCING SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH

MACHINE LEARNING: A FOCUS ON AUTOMATED
CODE REVIEW

BARTEȘ CĂTĂLIN RĂZVAN

GROUP 248-1

2023
 Abstract

This paper delves into the transformative landscape of automated code review in software
development, leveraging machine learning techniques to enhance the entire software
development process. Drawing insights from three seminal studies, including "Code review
analysis of software system using machine learning techniques," "CORE: Automating Review
Recommendation for Code Changes," and "An Empirical Investigation of Relevant Changes and
Automation Needs in Modern Code Review," the research systematically explores the theoretical
foundations and practical implications of integrating machine learning algorithms. Highlighting
the application of machine learning in code review, the paper particularly emphasizes the
widespread use of the Random Forest algorithm. Through an analysis of the proposed machine
learning approach for code reviews in software systems, the study envisions a future where code
reviews are conducted faster and with heightened precision. This vision is further crystallized by
the introduction of CORE, an innovative automated code review engine designed to suggest
improvements solely based on code changes and reviews, showcasing superior performance
compared to existing models.
 Contents

1.Introduction ……………………………….………………………………………………. 4
2. Integration into the General Field ………………………………………………………… 4
3. Theoretical Considerations: Advantages and Disadvantages: ……………………………. 6
4.Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………. 8
5.Bibliography ………………………………………………………………………………. 8
1.Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, code review stands as a pivotal process
for ensuring software robustness and reliability. This essential practice systematically examines
source code to rectify overlooked mistakes and minimize the risk of bugs. Various forms of code
review, such as pair programming and formal inspections, have proven to be accelerators in the
software development process. As development practices progress, the integration of machine
learning into code review processes signifies a transformative leap for efficiency and precision.
This paper comprehensively explores this symbiotic relationship by synthesizing insights from
diverse studies.
The first study, "Code review analysis of software system using machine learning techniques,"
introduces a machine learning approach for faster and cleaner code assessments, evaluated on
Eclipse. The second study, "CORE: Automating Review Recommendation for Code Changes,"
addresses labor-intensive code reviews through CORE, an automated engine with multi-level
embedding and an attentional deep learning model. The third study, "An Empirical Investigation
of Relevant Changes and Automation Needs in Modern Code Review," explores gaps in Modern
Code Review (MCR) tools, emphasizing the impact of new technologies and the necessity for
automation.
Expanding our exploration, the fourth study conducts a systematic literature review on "Machine
learning techniques for code smell detection." It identifies limitations of heuristic-based detectors
and explores the adoption of machine learning approaches. The fifth study, "Predicting Code
Smells and Analysis of Predictions: Using Machine Learning Techniques and Software Metrics,"
introduces a code smell prediction approach based on machine learning and software metrics,
emphasizing the potential of Random Forest.
This paper synthesizes findings from these diverse studies to provide a holistic understanding of
the theoretical foundations, advantages, and challenges associated with integrating machine
learning into automated code review processes. Beyond technical methodologies, the research
envisions a future where machine learning and code review collaboratively redefine software
development, fostering efficiency, reliability, and elevated quality standards.

2. Integration into the General Field

The integration of machine learning into the realm of software engineering marks a paradigm
shift, where advanced algorithms and data-driven insights converge to redefine conventional
practices. Synthesizing insights from a spectrum of research studies, this section delves into the
broader context of machine learning in software engineering, elucidating its growing prominence
and the pivotal role it plays within the software development life cycle.
The studies presented, including "Code review analysis of software system using machine
learning techniques," "CORE: Automating Review Recommendation for Code Changes," and
"An Empirical Investigation of Relevant Changes and Automation Needs in Modern Code
Review," collectively underscore the transformative potential of machine learning in code review
processes. As software development becomes increasingly intricate, the reliance on automated
tools is becoming indispensable. The first study introduces a machine learning approach for code
reviews, addressing the need for faster and cleaner assessments in the ever-evolving landscape of
software systems. This aligns with the overarching theme of increased reliance on automated
tools, emphasizing the urgency to streamline code review processes for effective software
development.
Furthermore, the introduction of CORE in the second study represents a leap forward in the
automation of code review, recognizing the challenges posed by labor-intensive tasks in the face
of rapid project developments. CORE's utilization of multi-level embedding and attentional deep
learning underscores the demand for sophisticated machine learning models to augment the
efficacy of code review, facilitating early defect identification, project maintenance, and code
improvement. The demonstrated performance improvement, as indicated by a 131.03% increase
in Recall@10 and a 150.69% boost in Mean Reciprocal Rank, amplifies the significance of
integrating machine learning into code review practices.
In the broader spectrum of software engineering, the investigation into Modern Code Review
(MCR) in the third study brings to light the evolving needs of developers and the compelling
drive toward automation. The study emphasizes the impact of emerging development
technologies and practices, such as Cloud-based technologies and Continuous Delivery,
necessitating additional activities during MCR. Recognizing the complexity of these changes, the
study advocates for automation in code review activities through the development of
recommender systems. This resonates with the broader industry trend where automated tools
become indispensable for handling the intricacies introduced by evolving software development
methodologies.
Beyond code review, the study on "Machine learning techniques for code smell detection"
expands the discussion to encompass broader issues related to code quality. Code smells,
indicative of suboptimal design or implementation choices, are addressed through the lens of
machine learning, providing a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. This study not only
identifies the prevalent code smells in the literature but also underscores the necessity of
advancing machine learning techniques to overcome challenges in the detection of these design
flaws.
Lastly, the study, "Predicting Code Smells and Analysis of Predictions: Using Machine Learning
Techniques and Software Metrics," reinforces the growing reliance on machine learning in
software engineering by proposing a predictive approach to code smell detection. Tree-based
algorithms, especially Random Forest, showcase higher performance, emphasizing the potential
of machine learning to contribute to software quality enhancement through predictive analysis.
In conclusion, the integration of machine learning into software engineering practices, as
evidenced by the discussed studies, signifies a crucial advancement in the field. The increased
reliance on automated tools and the imperative for effective code review mechanisms underscore
the industry's recognition of the transformative power of machine learning. As the software
development life cycle continues to evolve, the symbiotic relationship between machine learning
and software engineering emerges as an indispensable force, fostering innovation, efficiency, and
the continual pursuit of high-quality software.

3. Theoretical Considerations: Advantages and

Disadvantages:
In this section, we delve into the theoretical underpinnings that form the bedrock of automated
code review, exploring key concepts and methodologies that underlie the integration of machine
learning into code assessment processes. The studies presented, including "Code review analysis
of software system using machine learning techniques," "CORE: Automating Review
Recommendation for Code Changes," and "Machine learning techniques for code smell
detection: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis," collectively contribute to
unraveling the theoretical foundations of automated code review.
The theoretical considerations begin with a fundamental understanding of code review as a
systematic examination of a software system's source code. The integration of machine learning,
as proposed in the first study, represents a paradigm shift by introducing a data-driven approach
to code assessment. This theoretical framework involves leveraging machine learning algorithms
to facilitate faster and more effective reviews, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the
software. The second study introduces CORE, emphasizing the theoretical underpinnings of
automating code review through a deep learning model. The proposed attentional deep learning
model, along with multi-level embedding, forms the theoretical basis for learning representations
from code changes and reviews. This approach is designed to overcome the challenges posed by
rapid project developments, making code review a more tractable and efficient process.
Expanding our theoretical exploration, the study on "Machine learning techniques for code smell
detection" adds a layer of sophistication by applying machine learning to detect code smells.
This systematic literature review and meta-analysis contribute to understanding the theoretical
landscape of code quality assessment. The study addresses limitations of heuristic-based
detectors, positioning machine learning as a potent tool for overcoming challenges associated
with code smell detection. The significance of machine learning algorithms, especially Random
Forest, takes center stage in this theoretical exploration. Random Forest, as highlighted in
various studies, emerges as a powerful algorithm for evaluating code quality. Its ensemble
learning approach, combining multiple decision trees, contributes to robust and accurate code
assessment. Understanding the theoretical foundations of Random Forest becomes imperative as
it plays a pivotal role in shaping the practical applications of machine learning in code review.
Advantages: Machine learning's integration into code review processes brings forth a myriad of
advantages, fundamentally altering the landscape of code assessment. This section critically
analyzes these positive impacts, drawing insights from the studies presented.
The positive impact of machine learning on code review efficiency and accuracy is a central
theme. As demonstrated in the second study, CORE achieves a significant performance boost,
indicating that machine learning models can surpass existing benchmarks in terms of Recall@10
and Mean Reciprocal Rank. This efficiency translates into faster identification of defects,
improving the overall code review process.
Machine learning, as applied in code review, excels in identifying potential issues, thereby
enhancing code quality. By learning from patterns and historical data, machine learning models
can discern subtle nuances that may go unnoticed in traditional code reviews. This proactive
identification contributes to the development of high-quality software, aligning with the broader
industry goal of continuous improvement.
Furthermore, machine learning significantly reduces manual review efforts. The automation
introduced by machine learning models streamlines the code review process, allowing
developers to focus on more creative and complex aspects of software development. This
advantage not only accelerates the pace of development but also mitigates the potential for
human errors during manual reviews.
Disadvantages: The integration of machine learning into code review is not without its
challenges and limitations. This section critically examines the potential drawbacks, addressing
concerns that arise in the practical application of machine learning in code assessment.
One primary concern revolves around the need for a robust training dataset. The effectiveness of
machine learning models is contingent on the quality and representativeness of the data used for
training. Incomplete or biased datasets may lead to inaccurate model predictions, emphasizing
the importance of thorough dataset curation.
Interpretability of model decisions stands as another challenge. Machine learning models,
particularly complex ones like deep learning models, often function as "black boxes," making it
challenging to understand how they arrive at specific decisions. This lack of interpretability can
hinder the trust developers place in automated code review suggestions.
Addressing potential biases is also crucial. Machine learning models can inadvertently perpetuate
biases present in the training data, leading to skewed recommendations during code review.
Recognizing and mitigating these biases become imperative to ensure fair and objective
assessments.
In summary, while the advantages of integrating machine learning into code review are
substantial, acknowledging and addressing the associated challenges is vital for fostering a
balanced and effective approach to automated code assessment in software engineering.
4. Conclusion
In conclusion, the exploration of integrating machine learning into automated code review
processes reveals a transformative landscape with both promises and challenges. As a researcher,
the theoretical foundations discussed in studies like "Code review analysis of software system
using machine learning techniques" and "CORE: Automating Review Recommendation for Code
Changes" underscore the potential for machine learning to revolutionize how we assess and
enhance code quality. The advantages are unmistakable. Machine learning brings efficiency,
accuracy, and proactive issue identification to code review, exemplified by the enhanced
performance of models like CORE. The ability to reduce manual review efforts aligns well with
the industry's pursuit of streamlined software development processes. However, acknowledging
the advantages is not a carte blanche. The potential pitfalls, discussed in the disadvantages
section, demand careful consideration. Ensuring a robust training dataset, addressing
interpretability challenges, and mitigating biases are critical to harnessing the true potential of
machine learning in code assessment. As a researcher and advocate for advancements in software
engineering, the journey outlined in this paper underscores the dynamic nature of the field. While
machine learning holds the key to unlocking new possibilities in code review, a nuanced
approach that addresses challenges ensures a responsible and effective integration. The ongoing
dialogue between researchers, developers, and the industry at large is pivotal for navigating this
evolving intersection of machine learning and software engineering.

5. Bibliography

[1] Damian A. Tamburri, Tommaso Dal Sasso, An Empirical Investigation of Relevant Changes and
Automation Needs in Modern Code Review, 2018
[2] Mhawish, M.Y., Gupta, M. Predicting Code Smells and Analysis of Predictions: Using Machine
Learning Techniques and Software Metrics. J. Comput. Sci. Technol., 2020
[3] Yida Tao, Huaimin Wang, Xuan Lu, CORE: Automating Review Recommendation for Code
Changes, 18-21 February 2020
[4] Fabio Palomba, Gabriele Bavota, Machine learning techniques for code smell detection: A systematic
literature review and meta-analysis, 5 January 2019
[5] Vijayalakshmi Ramasamy, P. Thambidurai, Code review analysis of software system using machine
learning techniques, 16 February 2017