How to Review AI-Generated Code Before Merging
Review AI-generated code by understanding the change, testing behavior, checking security, reading dependencies, and confirming the patch fits the project.
Generated code still needs an owner
Read the entire change before running or merging it. Identify what the code assumes, which files it touches, and whether it introduces a new dependency or permission. A concise explanation from the tool is not a substitute for reading the actual diff.
Run existing tests and add a focused test for the behavior changed. Check error paths, input validation, authorization, logging, performance, and compatibility with supported versions. For security-sensitive code, compare the approach with trusted project documentation and established patterns.
Check the project fit
Look for duplicate helpers, inconsistent naming, unnecessary complexity, and code that passes the happy path only. Inspect dependency names and versions against official package sources. Do not accept an invented API or an example that was never tested.
- Keep the change small enough to understand.
- Ask the tool to explain assumptions, then verify them.
- Check that tests fail for the original bug and pass after the fix.
- Review generated comments and documentation for accuracy.
AI can speed up implementation, but code quality comes from tests, review, and project context. Check input validation, error paths, permissions, dependencies, and performance as well as the happy path. Read the diff line by line and confirm that the change fits local conventions. Run the relevant tests before sharing it. Merge the behavior you understand, not merely the code that compiles.