How should a developer ensure that all application changes are thoroughly vetted before sharing?

To ensure that all application changes are thoroughly vetted before sharing, completing all critical tests is essential. This approach verifies that the changes made to the application function as intended and do not introduce any new issues or regressions. Critical testing typically includes unit testing, integration testing, and sometimes user acceptance testing, depending on the application’s specific requirements. By performing these tests, developers can identify and address any problems early in the development process, thereby increasing the overall quality and reliability of the application.

Thorough testing allows for early detection of bugs and ensures that the application meets predefined standards and requirements. It helps maintain a high level of quality and performance, which is crucial before the application is shared with others, whether they are team members, stakeholders, or end-users.

Other methods mentioned, such as waiting for peer code reviews or providing detailed documentation, while valuable, do not directly ensure that the application changes themselves have been tested and validated against expected outcomes. Informing a manager about potential issues may raise awareness but does not guarantee that issues will be resolved or that the application is ready for sharing. Thus, completing all critical tests is the most effective way to rigorously vet application changes.