Balint Pekker Integrates Claude AI for Automated Drupal Code Reviews

Balint Pekker has implemented an AI-powered code review process using Anthropic’s Claude model, aiming to improve code quality and streamline reviews in Drupal development workflows. The setup, built around the ai-reviewer GitHub Action by TurboKach, integrates directly with GitHub pull requests and provides inline feedback that mimics a human reviewer’s comments.

Prompted by a recent blog post from Drupal founder Dries Buytaert, Balint revisited automation in his own projects and explored ways AI could take on some of the more repetitive or time-consuming aspects of software development. He previously configured GitHub Actions to handle unit tests, deprecation checks, and code sniffing. Now, his AI-enhanced setup builds on that foundation by introducing contextual code review powered by Claude.

Unlike static analysis tools such as phpstan or drupal-check, Claude can interpret code structure, flag potential logic flaws, suggest architectural improvements, and raise questions that simulate human code review thinking. For example, Claude might identify when a variable name is misleading or suggest replacing procedural code with service-based design patterns.

Balint refined the file inclusion and exclusion patterns to tailor the system for Drupal development. The reviewer focuses on relevant custom code — including `.php`, `.module`, `.install`, `.theme`, `.twig`, and YAML files — while skipping over Drupal core, contributed modules, vendor code, and other non-critical directories. The AI's behavior is controlled through environment variables and a GitHub Actions workflow, making integrating into existing CI pipelines easy.

Costs remain low, with small PR reviews priced around $0.01–$0.03 and larger pull requests costing up to $0.25, depending on token usage. The setup allows token limits and model scopes to be adjusted, helping developers manage usage and maintain budget control.

Balint emphasizes that AI reviewers are not intended to replace human oversight but rather to complement it. By handling more mechanical tasks and identifying low-level issues early, AI makes room for developers to focus on high-value review areas, such as architecture, security, and business logic.

This AI-assisted workflow represents a growing trend among developers looking to reduce friction and increase reliability in fast-paced or resource-constrained environments. While still experimental, Balint’s implementation demonstrates that AI tools like Claude can play a practical role in modern open-source development.

For configuration details, setup instructions, and further updates, readers can visit Balint Pekker’s blog.