The correct option is It maps file patterns to specific users or teams who own those areas so pull requests request their review automatically.

A CODEOWNERS file lists path patterns and assigns them to GitHub users or teams. When a pull request changes files that match those patterns, GitHub automatically requests reviews from the specified owners. This creates clear ownership for folders or components and ensures the right reviewers are included without manual triage.

It sets branch protection rules and required status checks for merging is incorrect. Branch protection and required checks are configured in repository or organization settings. The CODEOWNERS file does not create these rules, although branch protection can require reviews from code owners who are defined by the file.

It documents licensing terms and any associated fees for using the code is incorrect. Licensing information belongs in a LICENSE file or related documentation rather than in CODEOWNERS.

It stores code quality ratings and maintainability scores from static analysis is incorrect. Quality metrics come from code scanning or other analysis tools and surface in checks or reports, not in CODEOWNERS.

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