How to Review Code with OpenClaw

Introduction

Code reviews are essential but time-consuming. An OpenClaw agent with code execution can analyze your code for security vulnerabilities, suggest improvements, check for common patterns, and explain complex logic -- all without waiting for a colleague's availability.

Prerequisites

• A KiwiClaw account with an active agent (setup guide)
• Standard or Enterprise plan (code execution recommended)
• Optional: GitHub skill for PR integration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Install the GitHub Skill

For the best experience, install the GitHub skill or GitHub Issues skill. This lets your agent access repositories, read pull requests, and post review comments directly.

Step 2: Share Your Code

Paste code directly in chat, upload files, or point the agent to a GitHub PR. For large codebases, upload the specific files you want reviewed.

Step 3: Request a Review

"Review this code for security vulnerabilities, performance issues, and best practice violations. Suggest improvements with explanations. Focus on error handling and input validation."

Step 4: Iterate on Feedback

Ask follow-up questions about specific suggestions. The agent can explain why a change is recommended, show alternative implementations, and help you refactor.

Step 5: Automate PR Reviews

Set up automated code reviews for new pull requests using the GitHub skill and scheduled checks. The agent can post review comments directly on PRs.

Pro Tips

• Use the Code Reviewer template for a pre-configured review workflow.
• Install the Coding Agent skill for the agent to write and test code fixes.
• Specify your standards -- Tell the agent your team's coding standards, preferred patterns, and style guide for more relevant reviews.
• Review before merging -- Use the agent as a first-pass reviewer before human reviewers look at the code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which programming languages can OpenClaw review?

OpenClaw can review code in any programming language. It is most effective with popular languages like Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, Rust, Java, C++, and Ruby, but it can analyze code in any language the underlying LLM understands.

Can the agent find security vulnerabilities?

Yes. The agent checks for common security issues like SQL injection, XSS, insecure deserialization, hardcoded secrets, improper authentication, and more. It is not a replacement for dedicated security scanning tools, but it catches many issues that human reviewers miss.

Can OpenClaw review entire repositories?

For large repos, it is best to review specific files or PRs rather than the entire codebase at once. Upload the relevant files or point the agent to a specific pull request for focused, actionable feedback.