No, not quite, though the distinction is subtle. It's true that the result of the inspection process is a fixed product. However, fixing defects is considered the author's job; the inspectors do not try to figure out how to fix a given problem. You might say I'm really quibbling on this point, but there are serious problems with letting the inspectors try to fix the defects:

  1. When a group tries to "fix" the problem it may focus on an obvious but not-quite-correct solution; solving problems is best left to the careful consideration of the original author.
  2. If time is spent trying to fix problems, there won't be time left to find defects in the first place.

If the inspectors have something to contribute to help fix the problem, it should be brought up during the "third hour" or after the main meeting as email or in a one-on-one session with the author.

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David A. Wheeler (dwheeler@ida.org)