How do we use GenAI for code reviews, refactoring, and documentation?

Generative AI (GenAI) has changed the way we build software. Not only can GenAI tools such as Copilot and ChatGPT write code for us, but the LLM behind these tools can significantly enhance the software development life cycle, including code reviews, refactoring, and documentation. Almost any GenAI tool, such as ChatGPT and Copilot, can do all this. 

Let's learn how to use GenAI and its tools for code review, refactoring, and documentation.

✅ 1. Code Reviews

Code review is one of the key activities of software development, where experienced developers review code for quality, accuracy, and business logic. security, and performance. GenAI can assist or even automate parts of the code review process by analyzing code for:

• Bugs and security issues: Tools like GitHub Copilot or Amazon CodeWhisperer (or custom LLM-based reviewers) can highlight common coding errors or security vulnerabilities.
• Code style enforcement: AI can check adherence to coding standards (e.g., naming conventions, formatting).
• Performance suggestions: AI can suggest more efficient algorithms or optimizations.
• Pull request summaries: GenAI can auto-generate PR summaries, helping reviewers quickly understand changes.

🔧 Example:
An AI agent integrated with GitHub PRs that comments on code blocks needing optimization or clearer variable naming.

✅ 2. Code Refactoring

Code refactoring is rewriting old code, upgrading it, or making it modular. GenAI can automate and suggest refactorings such as:

• Breaking down large functions: Recommends modularizing functions for readability.
• Renaming variables/functions: Suggests more descriptive names.
• Removing duplication: Detects and consolidates repeated code.
• Improving structure: Applies design patterns or best practices.

🔧 Example:
Ask: “Refactor this function to follow SOLID principles,” and GenAI can restructure it accordingly.

✅ 3. Documentation

Documentation is one of the tedious tasks that software developers are not very fond of. GenAI tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot can generate or update documentation from code and context:

• Inline comments: Suggests or adds missing comments in functions or complex logic.
• Function/class summaries: Generates docstrings based on the code's behavior.
• API documentation: Converts code into structured API documentation (OpenAPI, Markdown, etc.).
• Codebase summaries: Summarizes what a file, module, or repository does.

🔧 Example:
Input: A Python class for handling CSV data.
Output: GenAI generates class-level docstring, method explanations, and usage examples.

 

Want to learn how GenAI can help you or your team? Looking for a developer or trainer? 

Contact me here: Top AI Software Developers for Hire | CSharp Inc.