Update development guidelines for codeowners

Why is this change being made?

💡 Provide a detailed answer to the question on why this change is being proposed, in accordance with our value of Transparency.

Please add the details saying why, not just what in this section. Example: We have discussed the topic in Slack - (copy of Slack conversation). The current process is not efficient, this MR makes the description of X more clear, and helps move Y forward.

This change adds new guidelines for collaboration when making code changes.

The grouporganizations team is establishing a policy that when engineers modify code outside their usual areas, they should proactively communicate with the teams that own or work on that code, even if automated systems don't require it.

The new guidelines include specific steps for finding the right people to notify about changes, such as asking in team channels, checking code history, or involving managers when ownership is unclear. This helps ensure better coordination and visibility across teams when making cross-functional code changes.

Relates to gitlab-org/gitlab#583047 (closed)

Author and Reviewer Checklist

Please verify the check list and ensure to tick them off before the MR is merged.

  • Provided a concise title for this Merge Request (MR)
  • Added a description to this MR explaining the reasons for the proposed change, per say why, not just what
    • Copy/paste the Slack conversation to document it for later, or upload screenshots. Verify that no confidential data is added, and the content is SAFE
  • Assign reviewers for this MR to the correct
    • The when to get approval handbook section explains when DRI approval is required
    • The who can approve handbook section explains how to identify the DRI
    • If the MR does not require DRI approval, consider asking someone on your team, such as your manager.
    • The approver may merge the MR. If they approve but don't merge, you can merge.
  • For transparency, share this MR with the audience that will be impacted.
    • Team: For changes that affect your direct team, share in your group Slack channel
    • Department: If the update affects your department, share the MR in your department Slack channel
    • Division: If the update affects your division, share the MR in your division Slack channel
    • Company: If the update affects all (or the majority of) GitLab team members, post an update in #whats-happening-at-gitlab linking to this MR

Commits

  • Update development guidelines for codeowners

Edited by Matt Andrews

Merge request reports

Loading