Preparing a repository before a Node.js backend review
Review weeks go faster when we spend time on code instead of hunting credentials. These steps come from repeat engagements with Gauteng and Western Cape product teams.
Grant the right access
Read-only Git is enough. Add CI read access if failures are frequent—logs explain flakiness better than comments. Do not create shared admin accounts; named bot users with audit trails are preferred.
Document how to run it locally
A single `README` section with Node version, env file template (redacted secrets), migration command, and seed data steps prevents day-one blockers. If Docker Compose is required, commit the file that actually works on a fresh clone.
Draw one architecture sketch
Boxes for API, workers, databases, and external PSPs are sufficient. Highlight paths that move money or personal information so we prioritise those reads.
List known pain
Send three bullets: slowest endpoint, most feared module, last production incident. Honesty saves us from rediscovering folklore.
Freeze scope politely
Large refactors mid-review shift the target. If a merge is unavoidable, tell us which branch to track.
Ready to book? See the Backend Code Review Pass or contact us.