Step-by-Step Guide on How to Create a Merge Request in GitLab

Creating a merge request in GitLab is a fundamental skill for collaborative software development. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the various methods to create, manage, and merge requests, whether you are using the GitLab interface or the command line. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth workflow and effective collaboration with your team.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding how to navigate to the Merge Requests section in GitLab is the first step in creating a merge request.
• You can create a merge request either through the GitLab interface or directly from the command line.
• Applying merge request templates can streamline the process and ensure consistency.
• Assigning merge requests to team members and notifying them is crucial for collaborative development.
• Regularly reviewing, discussing, and merging requests helps maintain code quality and project progress.

Navigating to the Merge Requests Section

Accessing Your GitLab Project

To begin, you need to access your GitLab project. On the left sidebar, select ‘Search or go to’ and find your project. This is your starting point for managing merge requests and other project activities.

Locating the Merge Requests Tab

Once you have accessed your project, the next step is to locate the Merge Requests tab. Navigate to Code > Merge requests on the left sidebar. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut g + m to quickly access the Merge Requests section. This section allows you to view, create, and manage merge requests for your project. If you are using GitLab Ultimate, you will have additional features and options available in this section.

Creating a Merge Request from the GitLab Interface

Creating a merge request from the GitLab interface is a straightforward process that allows you to integrate changes from one branch into another. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth merge request creation.

Using the Command Line to Create a Merge Request

Creating a New Branch Locally

To start, you need to create a new branch locally if you haven’t already. Use the following command:

git checkout -b <branch-name>

Replace <branch-name> with the name of your new branch. This command will switch you to the new branch immediately after creating it.

Pushing Changes and Creating a Merge Request

Once your changes are committed to the new branch, you can push the branch to the remote repository and create a merge request directly from the command line. As of GitLab 11.10, if you’re using git 2.10 or newer, you can use the following command:

git push -o merge_request.create

This command will push your changes and automatically create a merge request. You do not have to return to the GitLab interface to complete this action.

Using the command line to create a merge request can streamline your workflow, especially if you prefer working in a terminal environment.

Applying Merge Request Templates

Locating Description Templates

When you create a merge request, GitLab checks for the existence of a description template to add data to your merge request. GitLab checks these locations in order from 1 to 5, and applies the first template found to your merge request:

1. Project’s .gitlab/merge_request_templates directory
2. Project’s root directory
3. Group’s .gitlab/merge_request_templates directory
4. Instance’s .gitlab/merge_request_templates directory
5. Default template

Applying Templates Automatically

To streamline the process, GitLab can automatically apply a description template when you open a merge request. This ensures that all necessary information is included, making it easier to review and collaborate on the changes before merge. Using templates can save time and maintain consistency across your projects.

When you open a merge request, you can visualize and collaborate on the changes before merge. Merge requests include:

A description of the request.
Code changes and inline code reviews.
Information about CI/CD pipelines.
A comment section for discussion threads.
The list of commits.

Assigning a Merge Request to Other Users

When you create a merge request, GitLab automatically assigns the merge request to you. However, because you almost certainly want someone else on the team to review the merge request, you will have to assign the merge request to other team members as well. You can assign one user or multiple users to a single merge request.

Reviewing and Discussing Merge Requests

Merge requests allow your team to review any code that is part of a source branch. This is code that a team member developed and would like to merge with the primary code in the target branch. The team collaborates and discusses the merge request before deciding whether to make it part of the primary code.

When you open a merge request, you can visualize and collaborate on the changes before merge. Merge requests include:

• A description of the request.
• Code changes and inline code reviews.
• Information about CI/CD pipelines.
• A comment section for discussion threads.
• The list of commits.

Merging the Request

Reviewing Final Changes

Before merging, it’s crucial to review the final changes to ensure everything is in order. This includes checking the code, verifying that all discussions are resolved, and ensuring that the CI/CD pipelines have passed. A thorough review helps prevent potential issues in the main branch.

Completing the Merge

Once the final review is complete, you can proceed to merge the request. Navigate to the merge request page, and if everything looks good, click the ‘Merge’ button. This will integrate the changes from the source branch into the target branch. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to perform the merge. If there are any conflicts, GitLab will prompt you to resolve them before completing the merge.

Merging is a critical step that finalizes the integration of changes. Always double-check to avoid any disruptions in the main branch.

Closing a Merge Request

Conditions for Closing

Closing a merge request in GitLab is a straightforward process, but there are certain conditions you need to meet. You must either be the author or an assignee of the merge request, or you must have the Developer, Maintainer, or Owner roles in the project. If you decide to permanently stop work on a merge request, it’s better to close it rather than delete it. This ensures that all records, comments, and associated pipelines are preserved.

Steps to Close a Merge Request

To close a merge request in your GitLab project, follow these steps:

1. On the left sidebar, select ‘Search or go to’ and find your project.
2. Select ‘Code’ > ‘Merge requests’ and locate your merge request.
3. Scroll to the comment box at the bottom of the page.
4. Following the comment box, select ‘Close merge request’.

GitLab will close the merge request but will preserve all records, comments, and any associated pipelines.

For users with GitLab Premium, you also have the option to delete the source branch when closing a merge request. This can be done by selecting the ‘Delete source branch’ checkbox before closing the request.

Best Practices for Merge Requests

Writing Clear Descriptions

When you open a merge request, it’s crucial to provide a clear and concise description. This helps reviewers understand the purpose and scope of the changes. Include details such as the problem being solved, the approach taken, and any potential impacts. A well-written description can significantly enhance workflow and collaboration.

Keeping Changes Small

Smaller merge requests are easier to review and less likely to introduce bugs. Aim to break down large changes into smaller, manageable pieces. This not only makes the review process more efficient but also helps in identifying issues early.

Regularly Updating Branches

Ensure your branch is up-to-date with the target branch to avoid merge conflicts. Regularly pull changes from the target branch and resolve any conflicts locally. This practice keeps your branch aligned with the latest changes and reduces the risk of conflicts during the final merge.

Keeping your branches updated is a proactive way to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth merging process.

Conclusion

Creating a merge request in GitLab is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through various methods, whether from the main GitLab interface or directly from the command line. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can efficiently manage your code changes and collaborate with your team. Remember, the key to a smooth workflow is understanding the tools at your disposal and using them effectively. Happy coding!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start creating a merge request in GitLab?

To start creating a merge request in GitLab, log in to your GitLab account, go to your project under the Projects section, click on the Merge Requests tab, and then click on the New merge request button.

How can I create a merge request from the command line?

To create a merge request from the command line, create a new branch locally using `git checkout -b `, push the changes using `git push`, and then use the command `git push -o merge_request.create` if you are using Git 2.10 or newer.

What are the steps to select source and target branches in GitLab?

After clicking on the New merge request button, select the source branch and target branch from the dropdown menu, and then click on the Compare branches and continue button.

How do I apply merge request templates in GitLab?

When creating a merge request, GitLab checks for the existence of a description template. The template is automatically applied if found in the specified locations.

Can I assign a merge request to other users in GitLab?

Yes, you can assign a merge request to other users by adding them as assignees in the merge request details. This will notify the team members about the assignment.

How do I review and discuss a merge request in GitLab?

You can review and discuss a merge request by adding comments and suggestions directly in the merge request. Discussions can be resolved by marking them as resolved.

What are the conditions for closing a merge request in GitLab?

A merge request can be closed when the proposed changes are either merged into the target branch or deemed unnecessary. The steps to close a merge request involve navigating to the merge request and clicking the Close button.

What are some best practices for creating merge requests in GitLab?

Some best practices include writing clear descriptions, keeping changes small and manageable, and regularly updating branches to keep them in sync with the target branch.