A CODEOWNERS file assigns a reviewer to every path
Without a catch-all owner, a change to an unclaimed directory waits for someone to notice it. With one, the forge requests review automatically.
Observable check
where the forge supports Code Owners for the repository's visibility and plan, a CODEOWNERS file exists in the repository root, .github/, .gitlab/, or docs/, and it contains a * rule naming at least one eligible owner. GitLab Free and private repositories on GitHub Free fall outside this rule.