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10 OKR examples for Code

What are Code OKRs?

The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.

Writing good OKRs can be hard, especially if it's your first time doing it. You'll need to center the focus of your plans around outcomes instead of projects.

We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for Code to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

Building your own Code OKRs with AI

How to create great OKRs for any scenario in seconds

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here.

You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.

  • 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
  • 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
  • 3. Use natural language to describe your goals

Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.

How to improve existing OKRs with AI feedback

If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.

  • 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
  • 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
  • 3. Click on "Generate analysis"

AI feedback for OKRs in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.

You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.

Using the free OKR generator to get a quick template

If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.

Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.

Our Code OKRs examples

You will find in the next section many different Code Objectives and Key Results. We've included strategic initiatives in our templates to give you a better idea of the different between the key results (how we measure progress), and the initiatives (what we do to achieve the results).

Hope you'll find this helpful!

1OKRs to substantially reduce technical debt across all projects

  • ObjectiveSubstantially reduce technical debt across all projects
  • KRAchieve 95% test code coverage to identify and correct hidden bugs
  • TaskUse a code coverage tool to measure efficiency
  • TaskRefactor poorly covered code sections
  • TaskWrite comprehensive unit tests for each function or component
  • KRDecrease codebase complexity by 25% using refactoring techniques
  • TaskImplement effective refactoring techniques to simplify code
  • TaskRegularly review and optimize code to maintain simplicity
  • TaskIdentify redundant and inefficient code for elimination
  • KRConduct bi-weekly code reviews to identify and solve 30% of debt issues
  • TaskSchedule bi-weekly code review sessions
  • TaskIdentify issues contributing to code debt
  • TaskImplement solutions for 30% of identified issues
Tability

2OKRs to efficient and secure completion of Wiz Rollout Secure Code2Cloud phase 2

  • ObjectiveEfficient and secure completion of Wiz Rollout Secure Code2Cloud phase 2
  • KRPerform and pass robust stress-testing on Code2Cloud without any system breakdowns
  • TaskIdentify potential weak points in Code2Cloud architecture
  • TaskExecute a series of rigorous stress-tests on Code2Cloud
  • TaskAnalyze results and make necessary improvements to code configuration
  • KRAttain 100% coding completion with zero vulnerabilities identified in code reviews
  • TaskRegularly conduct rigorous code review sessions
  • TaskImplement strict protocols for quality assurance in coding
  • TaskTrain team in advanced security-centric coding practices
  • KREnsure 100% team training on the updated system and data security measures
  • TaskImplement updated data security measures training
  • TaskMonitor and confirm everyone’s participation in training
  • TaskSchedule comprehensive training sessions on updated system

3OKRs to improve code quality through effective code reviews

  • ObjectiveImprove code quality through effective code reviews
  • KRReduce average time taken to complete code reviews
  • TaskSet clear expectations and guidelines for code reviews
  • TaskUse automated tools for code analysis and review to enhance efficiency
  • TaskImplement a peer review process to streamline code reviews
  • TaskProvide regular code review training sessions for team members
  • KRImplement and track improvements in code review feedback incorporation rate
  • TaskConduct a survey to collect feedback from developers on barriers to incorporating code review feedback
  • TaskAnalyze the survey results to identify the common barriers to incorporating code review feedback
  • TaskImplement a tracking system to monitor and measure the improvements in code review feedback incorporation rate
  • TaskDevelop a training program to address the identified barriers and improve feedback incorporation rate
  • KRIncrease team members' satisfaction with code review process
  • KRIncrease average number of bugs caught through code review per week

4OKRs to securely integrate Code42 and Abnormal Security with existing operations

  • ObjectiveSecurely integrate Code42 and Abnormal Security with existing operations
  • KRDevelop, test, and validate 3 playbooks for Abnormal Security integration
  • TaskWrite codes for 3 Abnormal Security integration playbooks
  • TaskValidate the effectiveness and efficiency of each playbook
  • TaskTest the functionality of all 3 playbooks
  • KRDefine and document 3 playbooks for Code42 integration without security breaches
  • TaskEnsure secure procedures are incorporated into guides
  • TaskDocument the integration process explicitly
  • TaskIdentify necessary features for Code42 integration playbooks
  • KRMeasure and ensure 90% of staff are trained on the new playbooks implementation
  • TaskSchedule and conduct training sessions with staff members
  • TaskConduct surveys or tests to confirm 90% staff training completion
  • TaskDevelop extensive training modules for new playbooks implementation

5OKRs to foster rapid and secure high-quality code development

  • ObjectiveFoster rapid and secure high-quality code development
  • KRIncrease code reviews to ensure 100% implementation of security protocols
  • TaskImplement automated code review tools for security compliance
  • TaskSchedule regular code review sessions with team members
  • TaskProvide training on security protocol standards during code reviews
  • KRImplement a standardized coding style guide across all projects by quarter end
  • TaskDevelop a comprehensive coding style guide
  • TaskEnforce guide compliance in project reviews
  • TaskCommunicate the guide to all developers
  • KRDecrease the development cycle by 30% through effective work methodologies
  • TaskRegularly update and optimize software tools for improved efficiency
  • TaskAdopt test-driven development to reduce debugging time
  • TaskImplement agile project management for quicker iteration cycles

6OKRs to mobile and QR code integration

    7OKRs to implement automation testing across development platform and code

    • ObjectiveImplement automation testing across development platform and code
    • KRIdentify and list 100% of testable features within the existing code base
    • TaskReview entire code base to identify testable features
    • TaskCreate a comprehensive list of these features
    • TaskConfirm all identified features are indeed testable
    • KRCreate and document comprehensive automated test scripts for 70% of identified features
    • TaskDevelop comprehensive automated test scripts
    • TaskIdentify key features requiring automated test scripts
    • TaskDocument tested features and script process
    • KRAchieve a 95% success rate in detecting and reporting bugs through automation tests
    • TaskImplement automated testing tools to highlight software errors
    • TaskTrain team members on analyzing automated test results
    • TaskRegularly update and refine automated test scripts

    8OKRs to qR code integration

    • ObjectiveSuccessfully integrate QR code technology into our product offering
    • KRTest and ensure 99% accurate scanning of integrated QR codes
    • TaskDevelop rigorous testing protocols for QR code accuracy
    • TaskReview and analyse test results to identify improvements
    • TaskConduct repeated accuracy tests on integrated QR codes
    • KRTrain 100% of our team on QR code product feature updates and functionalities
    • TaskIdentify required updates and functionalities for QR code product training
    • TaskDevelop comprehensive training materials for team members
    • TaskSchedule and conduct training sessions for all team members
    • KRImplement QR code functionality on at least 90% of our products
    • TaskDesign QR codes for each eligible product
    • TaskResearch and select a suitable QR code generation system
    • TaskIntegrate QR codes with product packaging design
    Tability

    9OKRs to enhance efficiency and productivity in development within the team

    • ObjectiveEnhance efficiency and productivity in development within the team
    • KRImprove problem-solving capabilities by 40% in resolving coding issues
    • TaskSeek mentorship from senior coders for guidance
    • TaskPractice resolving issues with more complex code
    • TaskEnroll in advanced coding and problem-solving workshops
    • KRDeliver four high-quality projects within agreed upon timelines and standards
    • TaskMaintain continual progress monitoring for quality assurance
    • TaskEstablish clear timelines and standards for each project
    • TaskImplement effective communication amongst project team members
    • KRIncrease engagement and participation in weekly team development reviews by 100%
    • TaskSend reminder notifications prior to weekly development review meetings
    • TaskIncentivize active participation with rewards recognizing valuable input
    • TaskEnsure agenda topics are relevant and engaging for all team members

    10OKRs to elevate overall test coverage across all features

    • ObjectiveElevate overall test coverage across all features
    • KRImplement a process for monitoring and increasing test coverage on an ongoing basis
    • TaskImplement a continuous test coverage monitoring system
    • TaskDevelop strategies to continuously improve test coverage
    • TaskIdentify existing areas lacking sufficient test coverage
    • KRIdentify and address 30% of areas with low test coverage across existing features
    • TaskPrioritize these features based on importance
    • TaskIdentify features with less than 70% test coverage
    • TaskDevelop and implement tests to increase coverage
    • KRAchieve 70% code coverage for all new features developed in the next quarter
    • TaskConduct reviews and refactoring sessions to improve coverage
    • TaskImplement mandatory unit tests for all newly developed features
    • TaskMonitor code coverage regularly using suitable tools

    Code OKR best practices

    Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

    Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

    Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

    The #1 role of OKRs is to help you and your team focus on what really matters. Business-as-usual activities will still be happening, but you do not need to track your entire roadmap in the OKRs.

    We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

    Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

    Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to get the full value of your OKRs and make your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.

    Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

    Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

    Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

    As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

    Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

    How to track your Code OKRs

    OKRs without regular progress updates are just KPIs. You'll need to update progress on your OKRs every week to get the full benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

    • It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
    • It will highlight poorly set OKRs
    • It will surface execution risks
    • It improves transparency and accountability

    Most teams should start with a spreadsheet if they're using OKRs for the first time. Then, once you get comfortable you can graduate to a proper OKRs-tracking tool.

    A strategy map in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

    If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

    More Code OKR templates

    We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.