Widespread Pattern Changes

If the PR is large because of a pattern change, identify the change. Look for all the individual places the pattern changed. Check to see that a few of them make sense. Observe how they differ, and maybe search through the code independently looking for parts that may have been missed or intentionally left out. If you find inconsistencies comment and ask about them.

If you agree with the pattern change and you look through them and they all look good, then all you need to do is go through the rest of your normal PR checklist and you’re good to approve it.

If you don’t agree with the pattern change in general, comment on where the pattern could do better. Maybe there is a reason the pattern isn’t that way.

Large feature added

If there is a new feature, the first thing to check after you know you want the feature, is all the points where the new code touches existing code. If you find out how it interfaces you can box it in your mind and it will be less overwhelming.

Are the interfaces with the rest of your code standard? Is the new code structured in a way that is consistent with all of your patterns? Is the new code tested? Is the new code integration tested with the rest of the system?

Briefly read through the implementation and check for any faulty assumptions about the existing code. If you find faulty assumptions, point them out so the new feature can be fixed. If you start having common assumptions about different parts of your code that are off, that is a code smell and you should probably address it.

Once you’ve asked all the questions and read through the code, have someone else look at it and then sign off.

Disclaimer

No one is perfect and bugs slip by, but if you make good strategies that you constantly improve on you can prevent most catastrophes.