Hey DEV community 👋
I just published a Chrome extension that helps developers get AI-powered code reviews for GitLab Merge Requests — with zero setup required. If you're someone who dreads dealing with API tokens, platform lock-in, or overly complex code review tools, this might be something you'll enjoy.
🎯 The Problem
While working on various GitLab-hosted projects, I noticed a pattern:
Most code review tools either:
- Require complex GitLab authentication (OAuth, personal tokens, etc.)
- Force you onto their external platforms to generate or view the review
- Need heavy configuration before they’re even usable
That’s just too much friction for something that should be simple.
💡 The Motivation
My main goal was simplicity.
I wanted a tool that:
- Just works when I open a Merge Request
- Doesn’t require me to leave GitLab’s interface
- Doesn’t force me into a different product ecosystem
- Doesn’t ask for tokens or backend setup
So, I built one.
🛠 Introducing: ThinkReview
AI Code Reviews for GitLab Merge Requests
ThinkReview is a Chrome extension that:
- Detects when you open a Merge Request on GitLab
- Automatically generates a review in the sidebar
- Is powered by Gemini 2.5 Pro (Google’s advanced AI model)
- Requires zero setup or GitLab credentials
- Runs entirely in your browser
🔍 How It Works
- Install the extension from the Chrome Web Store
- Navigate to any GitLab Merge Request
- A sidebar will appear and automatically generate an AI review
- That’s it—no API keys, no switching tabs, no learning curve
⚙️ Powered by Gemini 2.5 Pro
Gemini 2.5 Pro is surprisingly good at understanding context in code. It doesn’t just say “unused variable” — it explains why something might be inefficient or confusing.
It reviews:
- Code style
- Logic issues
- Potential bugs
- Readability suggestions
Only the Merge request patch and diffs is sent to Gemini API
🧑💻 Who This Is For
ThinkReview is ideal for:
- Solo developers or freelancers who want quick review feedback
- Small teams that don’t have time for formal code review processes
- Anyone using GitLab who wants better reviews without the overhead
✨ What Makes It Different
| Feature | ThinkReview | Most Code Review Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Requires Setup | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| GitLab Auth Needed | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Runs in GitLab UI | ✅ Yes | ❌ Usually Not |
| Uses Gemini AI | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not Always |
| Works on MR open | ✅ Yes | ❌ Sometimes |
🔒 Privacy & Security
Your code stays inside GitLab.
There’s:
- No need to create accounts
- No external API calls for code
- No sharing of repository data
I’m also exploring local/offline support in a future release.
🗺️ Roadmap
Here’s what’s coming next:
- Support for GitHub and Bitbucket
- Option to toggle review strictness or tone
- Customizable review templates
- VS Code plugin integration
Have ideas? I’d love to hear them in the comments!
🚀 Try It Out
You can find it on the Chrome Web Store:
🔗 ThinkReview: AI Code Reviews for GitLab Merge Requests
No setup. No tokens. Just install and start reviewing.
🙌 Final Thoughts
Sometimes you build something because it scratches your own itch — and this one really did.
If you spend a lot of time in GitLab and want smarter, simpler reviews, I hope ThinkReview helps you out. Would love to hear your feedback!
🗣️ Let’s Chat
- What do you currently use for code reviews?
- Would you trust an AI to review your MRs?
- What integrations should come next?
Drop your thoughts below! 👇
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