What is the CODEOWNERS file in GitHub?
Answer
The CODEOWNERS file (located at /.github/CODEOWNERS, /CODEOWNERS, or /docs/CODEOWNERS) specifies which team members are responsible for specific files or directories in the repo. When a PR modifies a file with a defined owner, GitHub automatically requests a review from those owners. Syntax: same as .gitignore patterns, followed by GitHub usernames or team names. Examples: * @default-owner — default owner for all files; src/auth/ @security-team — auth directory requires security team review; *.sql @data-team — all SQL files require data team; package.json @frontend-lead — specific file. Multiple owners: src/api/ @alice @backend-team — any one of them can approve. Last matching rule wins. Combined with branch protection "Require review from Code Owners": no PR can merge unless all appropriate code owners have approved changes to their files. Benefits: ensures domain experts review changes to critical code (security, database schema, API contracts), reduces oversight of critical areas, documents implicit code ownership. Update as team structure and ownership evolves.