GATE CS 2015 Set 2 Q.53 (CS Q.43): Functions, Recursion, Scope and Storage Classes

Which one of the following assertions concerning code inspection and code walkthrough is true?

Code inspection is carried out once the code has been unit tested

Code inspection and code walkthrough are synonyms

Adherence to coding standards is checked during code inspection

Code walkthrough is usually carried out by an independent test team

Official answer and solution

Solution

Review standard IEEE / Fagan definitions of software inspection and walkthrough reviews.

Definitions:

Code Walkthrough: An informal, developer-led peer review where the author guides team members through code to discover discrepancies and logic flaws.
Code Inspection: A formal, checklist-driven review process introduced by Michael Fagan. It is led by a trained moderator (not the author) to verify adherence to design specifications, coding guidelines, and organizational standards.

Evaluating the assertions:

(A) Inspections occur during implementation before dynamic unit testing, not after.
(B) Inspections and walkthroughs differ significantly in formality, role definitions, and meeting structure; they are not synonyms.
(C) 'Adherence to coding standards is checked during code inspection' is a core objective of formal inspection checklists. This assertion is true.
(D) Walkthroughs are conducted by peers and the development team, not an independent test team.

Final answer

Common trap

Conflating formal Fagan code inspection with informal peer walkthroughs.

The answer is the one in the official GATE answer key. The solution is this site's own explanation.

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