I Built an AI Code Review Tool for Azure DevOps That Eliminates Context Switching
I Built an AI Code Review Tool for Azure DevOps That Eliminates Context Switching
How I solved the context switching problem in code reviews by building a browser extension that works directly in Azure DevOps Pull Request pages
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The Problem I Was Trying to Solve
I've been building an AI code review tool called ThinkReview and recently added Azure DevOps support. But before I share what I built, let me explain the problem that drove me to create this solution.
Like many developers, I got tired of constantly switching between Azure DevOps and external AI tools for code reviews. Every tool I tried required:
- Copying code blocks from Pull Requests
- Switching to external AI tools or browser tabs
- Waiting for analysis
- Switching back to Azure DevOps
- Losing context in the process
This workflow completely broke my development flow. The constant context switching was frustrating and time-consuming.
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The Solution: Direct Browser Integration
So I built something that works directly in your browser on Azure DevOps PR pages - no context switching, no copying/pasting. Just click a button and get AI reviews right where you're already working.
AI Review button appears directly on Azure DevOps Pull Request pages - no context switching needed
The extension adds an AI Review button that stays visible during SPA navigation, so you can review PRs instantly without leaving the page. It integrates seamlessly with Azure DevOps's single-page architecture.
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Key Features
Zero Context Switching
The AI Review button appears directly on Azure DevOps Pull Request pages. You never need to leave the page or copy code elsewhere. Everything happens right where you're already working.
Seamless SPA Navigation
The review interface persists during Azure DevOps navigation. Unlike other tools that break when you navigate between PRs, ThinkReview stays with you throughout your workflow.
Real Code Analysis
The extension uses Git-based APIs to fetch actual code diffs, ensuring accurate AI reviews that analyze your real code changes, not just static text.
Simple Setup
Just install the Chrome extension and add your Azure DevOps Personal Access Token. That's it - no complex configuration required.
Comprehensive Reviews
Get instant feedback on:
- Security vulnerabilities
- Performance issues
- Code quality improvements
- Best practices
- Potential bugs
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How It Works
1. Install the Extension - Available on Chrome Web Store
2. Add Your PAT Token - Secure authentication using Azure DevOps Personal Access Token
3. Navigate to Any PR - The extension automatically detects Azure DevOps Pull Request pages
4. Click AI Review - Get instant comprehensive code analysis
5. Review Suggestions - All feedback appears right in the browser, no switching needed
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Why This Matters
Before: The Old Workflow
Developer opens Pull Request → Copies code → Switches to external AI tool →
Waits for analysis → Switches back → Reviews suggestions → Implements fixes
Problems:
- Constant context switching
- Time lost copying/pasting code
- Loss of focus and flow
- Multiple tools to manage
After: The New Workflow
Developer opens Pull Request → Clicks "AI Review" → Gets instant analysis →
Reviews suggestions in context → Implements fixes
Benefits:
- Zero context switching
- Instant feedback
- Stay in your workflow
- One tool, seamless experience
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Technical Details
Authentication
The extension uses Azure DevOps Personal Access Tokens (PAT) for secure authentication. Your token is stored securely and never shared.
API Integration
ThinkReview leverages Azure DevOps Git API endpoints to fetch actual code diffs. This ensures accurate reviews based on real code changes, not just metadata.
Compatibility
Works with both Azure DevOps URL formats:
- https://dev.azure.com/{organization}/{project}/_git/{repository}/pullrequest/{id}
- https://{organization}.visualstudio.com/{project}/_git/{repository}/pullrequest/{id}
Browser Support
Currently available for Chrome and Chromium-based browsers. The extension uses standard web APIs and works seamlessly with Azure DevOps's existing interface.
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What I Learned
Building this tool taught me several important lessons:
1. Context Switching is Expensive - Every tool switch breaks focus and costs time
2. Developers Want Solutions, Not More Tools - The best tools integrate into existing workflows
3. Simple Wins - Zero setup beats complex configuration every time
4. Real Code Analysis Matters - Using Git APIs ensures accurate reviews
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Try It Out
If you're an Azure DevOps user who reviews Pull Requests regularly, I'd love for you to try ThinkReview and share your feedback.
Available Now:
- Chrome Web Store - ThinkReview
- Free tier available to get started
- Works with both GitLab and Azure DevOps
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What's Next?
I've been using ThinkReview myself for a few weeks and it's saved me a ton of time. But I'm always looking to improve. Here's what I'd love to hear from you:
- Does this solve a real problem for you? Or am I missing something?
- What features would make this more useful for your workflow?
- Any Azure DevOps-specific quirks I should be aware of?
- What would make code reviews smoother for Azure DevOps developers?
Your feedback helps me build better tools for the developer community. Feel free to reach out with suggestions, feature requests, or just to share your experience.
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Conclusion
Context switching during code reviews is a real problem that many developers face. By building a tool that works directly in the browser where developers already work, we can eliminate this friction and make code reviews faster and more efficient.
ThinkReview is my attempt to solve this problem. If you're tired of switching between tools during code reviews, give it a try and let me know what you think.
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Originally published on thinkreview.dev