How To Create A Merge Request In GitLab?

GitLab is a popular platform for version control, CI/CD, and DevOps lifecycle management. One of the core features of GitLab is the merge request (also known as a pull request in other version control platforms like GitHub). In this article, we will walk you through the process of creating a merge request in GitLab.

What is a Merge Request?

A merge request is a way of integrating changes from one branch into another. Typically, a developer creates a feature branch to work on a specific task, and once the work is complete, they create a merge request to merge their branch back into the main branch (e.g., main or master).

Merge requests are essential for collaborative development because they allow others to review, comment on, and approve changes before they become part of the main codebase.

When to Use a Merge Request?

Use a merge request when you:

• Have completed a feature or bug fix on a separate branch.
• Want to share your changes with the team for review before they are merged.
• Need to keep a record of code review and approval processes.
• Wish to track any discussions and feedback related to the proposed changes.

Creating merge requests is essential in ensuring the quality and consistency of code within a project, especially when multiple developers are involved.

Steps To Create A Merge Request In GitLab

Step 1: Set Up Your Git Environment

Before you can create a merge request, make sure you have a GitLab account, access to the project repository, and the Git command-line interface (CLI) set up on your machine. Here's a quick checklist:

1. Install Git: Ensure Git is installed on your local machine. You can verify by running:

git --version

2. Clone the Repository: Clone the project repository from GitLab to your local environment:

git clone https://gitlab.com/username/project-name.git

Replace username and project-name with the relevant GitLab details.

Create a New Branch: Before making any changes, create a new branch. A branch allows you to work on a specific feature or fix without affecting the main codebase.

git checkout -b my-feature-branch

Step 2: Make Your Code Changes

With the new branch checked out, you can now make changes to your code. Whether you are adding a new feature, fixing a bug, or updating documentation, ensure that you follow the best practices and maintain code quality.

Once your changes are complete, stage and commit the changes:

git add .
git commit -m "Added feature XYZ"

Step 3: Push Your Branch to GitLab

Once your changes have been committed locally, push your branch to GitLab. This makes your changes available on the remote GitLab repository:

git push origin my-feature-branch

Step 4: Create a Merge Request in GitLab

After pushing your branch, it’s time to create a merge request. Here’s how:

1. Go to Your GitLab Project: Navigate to your project’s page on GitLab. On the left-hand sidebar, click on Merge Requests.
2. New Merge Request: Click the New Merge Request button. GitLab will automatically detect your recently pushed branch and suggest it as the source branch for the merge request.
3. Select Branches:
   • Source Branch: This is the branch containing your changes (e.g., my-feature-branch).
   • Target Branch: This is typically the main or master branch (e.g., main, master, or another development branch where changes will be merged).
4. Provide a Title and Description: Give your merge request a clear and concise title. In the description, provide context for the changes you made, such as the feature implemented, the bug fixed, or any other relevant details. You can also add links to relevant issues or tasks if applicable.
5. Assign Reviewers and Labels: You can assign team members as reviewers for your merge request. If your project uses labels to track types of work (e.g., bug, enhancement, documentation), apply the appropriate labels to your merge request.
6. Submit the Merge Request: Once all the details are filled in, click the Submit Merge Request button. GitLab will redirect you to the merge request's page, where you can track progress, comments, and approvals.

Step 5: Review and Discussion

Once the merge request is submitted, it enters the review phase. Team members can review your code, add comments, suggest changes, and approve the request. The process might involve several iterations of review, especially in larger teams.

• Resolve Discussions: If reviewers leave comments or request changes, you will need to address them and update your branch accordingly. After making changes, push the updated code to the same branch. The merge request will automatically reflect the new changes.
• Approve the Merge Request: Once the reviewers are satisfied with the changes, they will approve the merge request, signaling that it is ready to be merged.

Step 6: Merge the Changes

Once the merge request has been approved, you (or a project maintainer) can merge the branch into the target branch.

1. Click the Merge Button: On the merge request page, click the Merge button to merge your changes into the target branch.
2. Automatic Deletion of Branch: GitLab offers the option to delete the source branch automatically after the merge is complete. You can enable this option during the merge request creation, or it will prompt you afterward.

Step 7: CI/CD and Post-Merge Checks

Depending on your project’s configuration, GitLab’s CI/CD pipelines might run tests, builds, or other tasks to ensure that the merged code functions correctly in the integrated environment. After the pipeline passes, your code is fully integrated into the project’s main branch.

Best Practices for Merge Requests

1. Create Small, Focused Merge Requests: Break your work into small, manageable chunks that are easier to review and test.
2. Provide Detailed Descriptions: Clearly explain what your merge request does and how it impacts the project. Reference related issues or user stories when possible.
3. Run Tests Locally: Before pushing your changes, run tests locally to ensure that you aren’t introducing any new issues.
4. Follow Coding Standards: Adhere to your project’s coding standards to maintain consistency and avoid style-related comments during the review.
5. Respond to Feedback Promptly: Address feedback and comments in a timely manner to keep the process moving smoothly.