How does a CODEOWNERS file affect the pull request review process?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation and Infographic
CODEOWNERS is like automatically tagging the right expert. Change a file they own, and GitHub auto-requests their review on the PR. No more forgetting to add reviewers or pinging the wrong team.
Full explanation below image
Full Explanation
A CODEOWNERS file defines individuals or teams responsible for specific files or directories in a repository. When a pull request modifies files matching a CODEOWNERS pattern, GitHub automatically requests reviews from the designated owners. Combined with branch protection rules that require code owner approval, this creates a powerful workflow where file-specific domain experts must approve changes to their areas. CODEOWNERS does NOT restrict who can create PRs. It does NOT replace branch protection rules — it works alongside them. Code owners are not automatically designated as mergers. CODEOWNERS patterns follow a gitignore-style format placed in the root, docs/, or .github/ directories.