@mattpocockuk: The "should you read code" debate is dumb because the real decision isn't binary, it's a scale: 1. Reading every line o…

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Summary

Matt Pocock argues that the decision to read code during code review is not binary but a spectrum, listing seven levels of engagement from reading every line to letting models handle everything.

The "should you read code" debate is dumb because the real decision isn't binary, it's a scale: 1. Reading every line of every diff 2. Scanning every diff, reviewing important lines 3. Ignoring diffs but understanding the 'why' of every PR 4. Spot checking PR's instead of reading every one 5. Ignoring PR's, but doing regular spot checks on the codebase 6. Ignoring the code, but spot checking agent traces to help improve the system 7. Ignoring both the code and the system, let models handle everything Where are you on the scale?
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Cached at: 07/05/26, 10:30 AM

The “should you read code” debate is dumb because the real decision isn’t binary, it’s a scale:

  1. Reading every line of every diff
  2. Scanning every diff, reviewing important lines
  3. Ignoring diffs but understanding the ‘why’ of every PR
  4. Spot checking PR’s instead of reading every one
  5. Ignoring PR’s, but doing regular spot checks on the codebase
  6. Ignoring the code, but spot checking agent traces to help improve the system
  7. Ignoring both the code and the system, let models handle everything

Where are you on the scale?

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