Types of Reviews:

1. Informal Review:

Generally one to one meeting

No agenda

Results are not formally reported

Occurs as needed throughout each phase.

2. Semi Formal Review:

Facilitated by the author (the person who is responsible for the activity)

Presentation is made with comment throughout and at the end

Reports are distributed to the participants

Possible solutions for defect not discussed

Occur one or more times during phase.

3. Formal Reviews:

Facilitated by the modulator (the person who has link between test engineer and
Management)

Assisted by a recorder

Meeting are planned in advance

Directly dependent on the preparation of participants.

Inspection : It is a very formal type of peer review where the reviewers are following a well-defined process to find defects.

Walk through : It is a form of peer review where the author leads members of the development team and other interested parties through a software product and the participants ask questions and make comments about defects.

Technical Review: It is a form of peer review in which a team of qualified personnel examines the suitability of the software product for its intended use and identifies discrepancies from specifications and standards.

Srinivas

Based on purpose reviews are classified as

1. Technical Review Review of work products Requirements Design
Code Test Plans etc.

2. Non-technical Review Review of status (e.g. PMRs) Project Plan
SCM Plan etc. - ensuring process compliance and process adequacy

Based on extent of formality reviews are classified as

a. Informal Review - One on one with peers no agenda or preparation
time. Informal reviews do not have the rigor of a formal review. The reviews may
not be planned or metrics may not be captured to measure review effectiveness.
They are typically used to confirm understanding test ideas brainstorm etc.

b. Semiformal Review - Author walks the participants through work
product defects are pointed out by participants solutions may be discussed for
defects found. This could be a one person review also. Semiformal / Informal
reviews shall be considered for agile based projects.

c. Formal Review - Meeting is planned in advance facilitated by a
moderator follows a proper process participants come prepared for the meeting.
Reviewers are selected based on skill and knowledge.