Overview
Gerrit Code Review is an open-source, web-based code review tool designed for teams working with Git. Unlike the pull-request model popularized by GitHub, Gerrit utilizes a 'Change-based' workflow, where every commit is treated as an individual review object. This architecture is powered by JGit and a sophisticated metadata storage system called NoteDb, which stores review data directly within the Git repository. In 2026, Gerrit remains the gold standard for massive-scale monorepos and high-velocity engineering organizations like Google (Android/Chromium) and the OpenStack Foundation. Its technical edge lies in its granular Access Control Lists (ACLs) and its ability to handle thousands of concurrent developers without performance degradation. Gerrit integrates deeply with CI/CD systems through its 'Verified' label system, ensuring that no code is merged without passing both human scrutiny and automated testing. While newer AI-driven tools have emerged, Gerrit’s 2026 position is solidified by its extensibility via a Java-based plugin API and its transition to a fully modern, responsive 'PolyGerrit' UI, making it the preferred choice for organizations requiring strict compliance, auditability, and massive throughput.