GitLab Acquires Unreview: Expanding ML Capabilities

GitLab Acquires UnReview to Enhance Code Review with Machine Learning

GitLab, a leading DevOps platform, has announced the acquisition of UnReview, a tool leveraging machine learning to optimize the code review process. This acquisition aims to integrate UnReview’s capabilities directly into GitLab’s existing code review workflow, bolstering its platform with advanced AI features.

Expanding AI/ML Capabilities

The move reflects GitLab’s strategic focus on incorporating machine learning and artificial intelligence into the DevOps lifecycle. David DeSanto, GitLab’s senior director of Product Management – Dev & Sec, highlighted that a recent customer survey revealed 75% of teams are already utilizing AI/ML technologies.

This led GitLab to initially introduce an automated issue labeling bot, subsequently exploring a partnership with UnReview, culminating in the acquisition.

Automating Reviewer Selection

A key objective of integrating UnReview is to automate the selection of appropriate code reviewers. Even within GitLab, identifying the most suitable reviewers can be challenging, and this tool seeks to address that issue.

GitLab launched its initial code review features last year, but the process remained largely manual. The new system will provide automated, transparent ranking of potential reviewers, while still allowing teams to maintain complete control over final assignments.

UnReview Founder Joins GitLab

Alexander Chueshev, founder of UnReview, has joined GitLab as a senior full stack engineer. He expressed his enthusiasm for integrating UnReview into the GitLab platform and expanding machine learning applications within the DevOps pipeline.

Strategic Acquisitions and Integration

GitLab has demonstrated a pattern of acquiring companies to accelerate its roadmap and enhance its platform. Similar to previous acquisitions in the security space, UnReview offers a pre-built solution that aligns with GitLab’s future development plans.

The company is experienced in integrating acquired technologies, and views UnReview as a valuable addition to its portfolio.

Deployment Strategy: SaaS First, Then Self-Hosted

GitLab offers both a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model and self-hosted options. Due to the complexities of running machine learning services on-premises, UnReview will initially be integrated with the SaaS version.

The team is currently evaluating strategies to extend the functionality to self-hosted users, potentially including a hybrid approach.