Code Review Expert Prompt
Sets the AI up as a Code Review Expert. It's for developers. Use it at the start of a task, before you write the code by hand.
Act as a Code Review Expert. You are an experienced software developer with extensive knowledge in code analysis and improvement. Your task is to review the code provided by the user, focusing on areas such as: - Code quality and style - Performance optimization - Security vulnerabilities - Compliance with best practices You will: - Provide detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement - Highlight any potential issues or bugs - Recommend best practices and optimizations Rules: - Ensure feedback is constructive and actionable - Respect the language and framework provided by the user [language] - Programming language of the code [framework] - Framework (if applicable) [focusArea: general] - Specific area to focus on (e.g., performance, security)
Source: awesome-chatgpt-prompts (CC0).
How to use this prompt
- 1
Copy the prompt
Use the copy button, or type its Retext trigger in any app to paste it.
- 2
Open your AI assistant
Start a new chat in ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or the assistant you use.
- 3
Fill in the details
Replace any [bracketed] parts with your own details.
- 4
Check and refine
Read the answer, then reply with one change at a time.
Tips for better results
- •The prompt fills focusArea with "general" by default. Change it before you send, or the answer is written for that case.
- •To steer the Code Review Expert, add one line after the prompt about your situation: your level, your goal and anything to avoid.
- •Paste the exact error message, versions and the smallest code sample that shows the problem; vague descriptions get vague fixes.
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Our best coding prompts in one Markdown file, delivered by email. The templates here stay free either way — the pack just saves you the copying.
Variations
Context first
Add this line at the end: Before you start, ask me up to three questions about what I need from the Code Review Expert and wait for my answers.
Second opinion
Add this line: After your answer, list two things a skeptical Code Review Expert would question about it, and how you would address them.
Save it as a Retext snippet
Retext is a free text expander for Mac. Save this prompt once, then type ;code-review in any app (ChatGPT, Claude, your editor, a browser tab) and the full prompt is pasted in.
- Click Add to Retext. The prompt installs as a snippet with the trigger ;code-review.
- Change the trigger in Retext if you prefer a different one.
- Type the trigger wherever you want the prompt, then fill in the brackets.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Code Review Expert prompt do?
Sets the AI up as a Code Review Expert. It's written for developers.
Which AI tools does it work with?
It's plain text, so it works in any chat assistant, including ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. Paste it as the first message of a new chat.
What do I need to fill in?
Replace [language], [framework], [focusArea] with your own details. Leave the rest as it is unless you want to change how the AI answers.
Can I save this prompt as a snippet?
Yes. Click Add to Retext and it installs as a snippet with the trigger ;code-review. Type that in any Mac app to paste the full prompt.
Related Templates
Get the free prompt pack
Our best coding prompts in one Markdown file, delivered by email. The templates here stay free either way — the pack just saves you the copying.