I reviewed a pull request last week using AI. It changed how I review technical work.

As product managers, we spend time on vision, flow, and user experience. We review demos, user feedback, and metrics. But code reviews often feel out of reach. They move fast, use unfamiliar terms, and depend on deep context.

That used to mean I waited for builds before giving feedback. By then, it was harder to ask for changes. Engineers had already moved on.

This time, I tried something new.

The Setup

The pull request added an AI agent that created global styles for the WordPress Twenty Twenty-Five theme. I know my way around the theme structure, but the update came from the agent that handled styling logic. The code was complex.

Instead of waiting for it to hit dev or test, I asked Claude Code to help me review it.

The Process

Here’s what I did:

  1. I have Github CLI set up on my computer.
  2. I pasted the PR link into Claude Code.
  3. I asked for a plain-language summary.
  4. I requested a list of files changed, with short notes on what each did.
  5. I asked how the changes might affect the theme’s styling and front-end behavior.

In a few minutes, I had a full breakdown written in terms I understood. It explained how the agent applied styles, what values were changing, and where it connected to WordPress.

The Results

That context helped me:

  • Identify missing variable coverage in global styles.
  • Ask better follow-up questions about theme consistency.
  • Save a full iteration cycle before the work hit staging.

Instead of reacting after the build, I gave feedback when it mattered. The engineer made quick updates, and we avoided rework later.

Why This Matters for PMs

Most product managers don’t review code, but we often depend on what’s inside it. Understanding the change early helps you connect the dots between product intent and implementation.

AI tools bridge that gap. They make technical work visible and explainable.

How You Can Do the Same

You don’t need deep technical skills. You need the right prompts.

Try this approach next time:

  • Share the PR or commit diff with an AI code assistant.
  • Ask for a simple summary of what the change does and why.
  • Request a list of potential product impacts.
  • Review that output and write targeted feedback.

This method helps you give direction early, while engineers still have context fresh in mind. It builds trust and saves time.

AI won’t replace the engineer or the PM. It helps both work smarter.

Nealey