Skip to content

CODEOWNERS Guidance

Overview

The .github/CODEOWNERS file is an optional but powerful feature for managing code review ownership in GitHub repositories.

When to Use CODEOWNERS

Use CODEOWNERS when:

  • Your repository has multiple teams or contributors
  • You want to ensure specific files or directories are reviewed by particular people
  • You have a complex codebase with specialized areas requiring expert review
  • You want to automate code review routing

What CODEOWNERS Does

CODEOWNERS defines which GitHub user or team owns specific files or directories. When a pull request modifies files matching a pattern, the specified owners are automatically requested to review the changes.

Template

Create .github/CODEOWNERS in your repository:

# Default owner
* @YOUR_GITHUB_USERNAME

# Example: Specific directories owned by different teams
# /src/backend @backend-team
# /src/frontend @frontend-team
# /docs @docs-team

# Example: Specific files owned by individuals
# /config/secrets.yml @security-team

Important Notes

  • Users must update the owner before copying: Replace @YOUR_GITHUB_USERNAME with actual GitHub usernames or team handles
  • Pattern matching: Uses GitHub's pattern matching syntax (similar to .gitignore)
  • Inheritance: Patterns are matched in order; later patterns override earlier ones
  • Default owner: The * pattern matches all files not matched by earlier patterns

Best Practices

  1. Keep it simple: Start with a default owner and add specific patterns as needed
  2. Use teams: Prefer team handles over individual usernames for better maintainability
  3. Review ownership regularly: Update owners as team structures change
  4. Document ownership: Consider adding comments explaining why certain files have specific owners

Alternatives

If CODEOWNERS is not suitable for your repository:

  • Use manual code review routing
  • Rely on PR labels and assignees
  • Use project management tools for ownership tracking

Not Required

CODEOWNERS is not required by the repository standards. It is an optional tool that can improve code review processes in larger or more complex repositories.