How patch files can transform how you review code

This post introduces the use of patch files as a method for code reviewers to provide actionable suggestions within merge requests. It details how to create and apply patch files using the command line (`git format-patch`, `git apply --check`, `git am --signoff`) and mentions IDE support. The benefits of using patch files for code reviews are highlighted, emphasizing collaboration, effort demonstration, and reviewer responsibility. It also contrasts patch files with GitLab's suggestion feature and raw markdown comments, advocating for patch files due to their testability and collaborative nature. The post notes that GitLab is evaluating the integration of patch files into the code review workflow.