Code review is often a source of friction in the software delivery process. And with AI-assisted development dramatically increasing contribution, maintainers are now expected to assess changes that technically work, but are difficult to explain, contextualize, or trust in production environments.

This session frames code review as critical infrastructure for open source sustainability. We will explore how review functions as a boundary that protects maintainers, preserves architectural coherence, and enables healthy contributor communities. The talk will also examine how AI can support this work by amplifying human discernment, rather than attempting to replace it.

Attendees will leave with practical principles for designing review processes that prioritize comprehension, intent, and maintainability, especially in an era of AI-generated contributions.