When reviewing your project before resuming work on it or providing support, we offer a range of reports and checks to audit and assess what has been developed. You don’t need to request all of these, but it's helpful to know what’s available and how each might be relevant to your situation.

This page serves as a general guide. If you commission Scorchsoft for a source code review or app rescue service, the content of the reports may vary depending on your specific requirements, the findings within the codebase, and the budget allocated for the task. Typically, in a commercial setting, there is always a pragmatic decision to be made about the depth of a report. The deeper the analysis, the more information you uncover, which can help inform future decisions and mitigate risk. However, a more limited audit that examines less information may be quicker, but it could lead to unintended consequences—such as undetected system issues or unforeseen delays in development.

When deciding which review or audit areas to choose, it’s important to understand what each area covers and why it might be essential for your project. This guide explains each item in plain language, provides examples of what the final report might include, and highlights how complexity can impact cost.

Surface-level Quick Review of Code

What It Is

  • A brief scan of your project’s code to spot immediate issues or warning signs.

Why You Might Need It

  • Ideal if you’re unsure where problems might lie.

  • Provides a fast overview to help decide if a more detailed review is necessary.

What the Report Might Include

  • An overall summary of code quality.

  • Identification of any obvious errors or inconsistencies.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • Being a quick check, it may not uncover deeper issues.

  • A cost-effective first step for initial insights.

The Bare Minimum Necessary for Scorchsoft to Feel Confident We Can Take Over the Project

What It Is

  • A focused review of the critical aspects of your project required for us to safely take over.

Why You Might Need It

  • Use this if you want a minimal assessment that confirms there are no deal-breaking issues before handing over the project.

What the Report Might Include

  • Verification of core functionalities.

  • Identification of any major blockers or red flags.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • Covers only the essentials.

  • Additional issues may be discovered later if you choose a more comprehensive audit.

Front-end Code Quality (Accessibility, Responsiveness, General Best Practices)

What It Is

  • An evaluation of the part of your application that users interact with (e.g., web pages or mobile interfaces).

Why You Might Need It

  • Ensures your app is visually appealing and easy to use.

  • Assesses accessibility for all users and adaptability across different devices.

What the Report Might Include

  • Analysis of design consistency and visual appeal.

  • Checks on page load times and responsiveness.

  • Recommendations for improving user accessibility.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • A comprehensive review, especially involving detailed user-experience analysis, may be more time-consuming and costlier.

Back-end Code Quality (Accessibility, Responsiveness, General Best Practices)

What It Is

  • A review of the hidden aspects of your application, such as its logic, server-side operations, and data handling.

Why You Might Need It

  • Ensures smooth operation behind the scenes.

  • Essential for managing future updates and maintenance.

What the Report Might Include

  • Evaluation of processing efficiency.

  • Identification of potential bottlenecks or risks.

  • Suggestions for optimising performance.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • An in-depth review that is crucial for long-term stability.

  • More resource-intensive, potentially affecting overall cost.

Database Architecture Review (Queries, Indexing, Integrity)

What It Is

  • An evaluation of how your data is stored, organised, and accessed within your system.

Why You Might Need It

  • Vital if your project handles large amounts of data or relies on rapid data retrieval.

  • Ensures performance and reliability of your database.

What the Report Might Include

  • Analysis of data structure and relationships.

  • Assessment of data retrieval speeds and query performance.

  • Recommendations for improving data integrity and efficiency.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • In-depth database audits can be complex, especially with multiple data sources.

  • Such complexity might increase the overall cost.

Back-end Architecture (Structure, Maintainability, Environment Configuration)

What It Is

  • A review of how your server-side code and system configuration are organised.

Why You Might Need It

  • A clear and logical architecture simplifies maintenance, updates, and scaling.

  • Reduces future risks and costs.

What the Report Might Include

  • A diagram outlining the system’s structure.

  • Evaluation of code maintainability.

  • Recommendations for configuration and environmental improvements.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • Detailed architecture reviews are comprehensive and may require additional time.

  • This can impact the final cost.

Security / Pen Test (Check Common Vulnerabilities)

What It Is

  • A security-focused audit designed to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.

Why You Might Need It

  • Essential for protecting sensitive data.

  • Ensures your app meets security best practices.

What the Report Might Include

  • A list of potential security risks.

  • Suggestions for patching identified vulnerabilities.

  • An overview of the app’s resistance to common attacks.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • Security audits can be extensive.

  • The complexity of your system may significantly influence the overall cost.

Performance / Load Test of the Server/Hosting Setup

What It Is

  • A test to evaluate how well your server and hosting environment perform under high traffic or usage.

Why You Might Need It

  • Crucial if you expect high user loads or data traffic.

  • Ensures the system does not slow down or crash during peak times.

What the Report Might Include

  • Measurements of response times under various loads.

  • Identification of any bottlenecks in the hosting setup.

  • Recommendations for scaling or configuration improvements.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • The extent of testing can vary.

  • More extensive tests may lead to higher potential costs.

Static Code Analysis (Linting, Code Smells, Maintainability Scoring)

What It Is

  • An automated process that examines your code for common mistakes or “code smells” that might hinder future maintenance.

Why You Might Need It

  • Provides an unbiased look at the health of your code.

  • Helps identify areas that require improvement before they become larger issues.

What the Report Might Include

  • A detailed list of identified code issues.

  • Maintainability scores and overall code health.

  • Recommendations for improving code quality.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • Technical details might need additional explanation if required in simpler terms.

  • This may add to consultation time and cost.

Code Version Checks (Framework/Library Versions)

What It Is

  • A review to ensure that all external libraries and frameworks used in your application are current and secure.

Why You Might Need It

  • Outdated components can lead to security and compatibility issues.

  • Keeping them up-to-date is essential for optimal performance.

What the Report Might Include

  • A list of current versions in use.

  • Identification of any outdated components.

  • Recommendations for updates or replacements.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • Generally a straightforward review.

  • Complexity depends on the number of dependencies your project has.

Third-Party Dependencies Review

What It Is

  • An evaluation of the external services and software your project relies on.

Why You Might Need It

  • Ensures these dependencies are secure, reliable, and updated.

  • Prevents unexpected disruptions or compatibility issues.

What the Report Might Include

  • An inventory of third-party components.

  • Assessment of their security and update status.

  • Recommendations for managing or replacing outdated dependencies.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • More external components may increase the review’s complexity and cost.

API / Integration Review (Endpoints, Security, Error Handling)

What It Is

  • A review of how your application communicates with other systems through APIs or integrations.

Why You Might Need It

  • Ensures data exchanges with external systems are secure and error-free.

  • Critical if you rely on external systems like payment gateways.

What the Report Might Include

  • Analysis of API endpoints and data flows.

  • Security assessments of data exchanges.

  • Recommendations for improving error handling.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • Complexity can vary based on the number of integrations.

  • More extensive setups may increase the cost.

Infrastructure & Deployment (CI/CD Pipelines, Hosting Configuration)

What It Is

  • An audit of your deployment processes and hosting setup, reviewing how updates and changes are managed.

Why You Might Need It

  • A streamlined deployment process minimizes downtime and errors.

  • Ensures rapid updates and improved system reliability.

What the Report Might Include

  • Overview of current CI/CD pipelines and hosting configurations.

  • Identification of opportunities for automation.

  • Recommendations to enhance efficiency and reduce downtime.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • Detailed reviews in this area can be resource-intensive.

  • This may impact the overall cost.

Disaster Recovery and Backup Review

What It Is

  • An evaluation of your strategies for recovering from system failures, data loss, or other emergencies.

Why You Might Need It

  • Ensures your business can quickly recover from unexpected events.

  • Minimises downtime and protects vital data.

What the Report Might Include

  • Assessment of current backup procedures.

  • Analysis of recovery plans.

  • Recommendations for strengthening resilience.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • Depends on your current setup and the critical nature of your data.

  • More complex environments may increase the cost.

Accessibility Audit

What It Is

  • A review focused on ensuring your application is usable by everyone, including those with disabilities.

Why You Might Need It

  • Expands your audience and helps you comply with legal standards.

  • Demonstrates corporate responsibility.

What the Report Might Include

  • Evaluation of design elements like text size and colour contrast.

  • Assessment of overall usability for users with disabilities.

  • Recommendations for enhancing accessibility.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • If full compliance is required, the audit may need to be very detailed.

  • This can potentially increase the overall cost.

Documentation Completeness Review

What It Is

  • An audit of your project’s documentation, including technical guides, user instructions, and developer notes.

Why You Might Need It

  • Clear and comprehensive documentation is critical for future development and maintenance.

  • Helps new team members understand your project quickly.

What the Report Might Include

  • Evaluation of the current state of documentation.

  • Identification of gaps or unclear areas.

  • Suggestions for improving clarity and usability.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • The depth of the review depends on the existing documentation quality.

  • This may influence the overall cost.

Graphic Design Review (High-Level Review of Design Language and Conventions)

What It Is

  • A review of your visual design focusing on overall style, consistency, and brand alignment.

Why You Might Need It

  • Ensures that your design elements are professional and cohesive.

  • Helps establish a strong brand identity and creates a positive impression on users.

What the Report Might Include

  • Evaluation of colour schemes, typography, and layout.

  • Analysis of design consistency across different elements.

  • Recommendations for refining the overall visual style.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • A basic design review may be straightforward.

  • A comprehensive overhaul may require additional time and resources, affecting cost.

User Experience Review (UX) (More In-depth Review of the User Journey)

What It Is

  • An in-depth analysis of how users interact with your app or website from start to finish.

Why You Might Need It

  • Ensures that your users can navigate your project easily and achieve their goals without frustration.

  • Helps retain users and improve overall satisfaction.

What the Report Might Include

  • Detailed mapping of user journeys.

  • Identification of any confusing or obstructive elements.

  • Recommendations for enhancing usability and overall user satisfaction.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • Involves user testing and detailed analysis.

  • Can be more complex, potentially impacting the final cost.

App Store Listing Review

What It Is

  • A review of how your app is presented on app stores, including visuals and written descriptions.

Why You Might Need It

  • Optimises your app’s visibility, increases downloads, and enhances user ratings.

  • Ensures your app makes a positive first impression on potential users.

What the Report Might Include

  • Assessment of the app icon, screenshots, and descriptions.

  • Feedback on how your listing compares with competitors.

  • Recommendations for improvements to boost appeal.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • Generally straightforward.

  • In-depth market comparisons might add to the overall complexity.

Website/Landing Pages

What It Is

  • An evaluation of your website or landing page that promotes your app or service.

Why You Might Need It

  • Your online presence is often the first impression potential users receive.

  • A clear, engaging, and conversion-friendly website can significantly impact user engagement.

What the Report Might Include

  • Analysis of layout, content, and call-to-actions.

  • Identification of areas for improvement in clarity and engagement.

  • Recommendations to enhance user conversion rates.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • The depth of the review depends on your current design and functionality.

  • This may influence the overall cost of the assessment.

Logo or Icon Design

What It Is

  • A review of your project’s logo or icon with a focus on visual impact and brand recognition.

Why You Might Need It

  • A compelling logo or icon effectively communicates your brand identity.

  • It helps attract and retain users by making a strong first impression.

What the Report Might Include

  • Evaluation of design elements, style, and overall impact.

  • Suggestions for improvements or refinements.

  • Insights into how the design aligns with industry standards.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • Typically less complex.

  • A full branding overhaul might require additional resources.

Future Requirements Wireframes

What It Is

  • The creation of simple visual layouts (wireframes) that outline how new features or pages might look.

Why You Might Need It

  • Provides a clear visual representation of proposed changes.

  • Helps stakeholders understand and plan for future developments.

What the Report Might Include

  • Basic sketches or diagrams of new screens or features.

  • Explanations of how the proposed changes could improve functionality or user experience.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • Generally straightforward.

  • Detailed or multiple wireframes may increase overall cost.

Future Requirements Graphics

What It Is

  • Detailed visual mock-ups or high-quality graphics that demonstrate what future features or enhancements might look like.

Why You Might Need It

  • Helps you visualise future changes, ensuring alignment on aesthetic and functional aspects.

  • Aids in clear communication among stakeholders before implementation.

What the Report Might Include

  • High-quality images or designs of proposed features.

  • Explanatory notes on how these designs will enhance the project.

  • Detailed visual concepts to support stakeholder discussions.

Complexity/Cost Considerations

  • Detailed graphic design work is more intensive.

  • Extensive revisions or high-detail work may significantly affect overall project cost.