Understanding Pull Request in Github: What It Is & How To Use It
Introduction
GitHub is a powerful and popular development platform which allows developers to collaborate on projects with ease. A Pull Request is one of the most powerful aspects of GitHub, and one that many developers struggle to understand and make the most of. This document will help you get a better understanding of Pull Requests and how to use them effectively.
What Is a Pull Request?
A Pull Request (PR) is a way of submitting changes to a project’s codebase. It allows developers to make changes directly on the project’s GitHub repository. The project’s owner can then review the changes, accept or reject them, and even suggest further changes.
Pull requests can be made to existing projects or to create new projects. For new projects, the project’s owner will need to approve the pull request before it can be merged into the project’s codebase. For existing projects, the project’s owner has the ability to review and accept or reject the changes.
How to Create a Pull Request
Creating a pull request is relatively straightforward. The steps are outlined here:
- First, fork the project’s repository. This can be done by clicking the “Fork” button on the project page.
- Make your changes on the forked repository. This can be done using a text editor or an IDE.
- Once you’ve made your changes, commit them to the forked repository.
- Create a pull request on the project page. This will open a dialogue between you and the project’s owner.
- The project’s owner will review your changes and either approve or reject the pull request.
Once the pull request has been accepted, your changes will be merged into the project’s codebase and will become part of the project.
Benefits of Pull Requests
Pull requests provide an easy and efficient way to share changes and collaborate on projects. It also allows existing projects to be maintained and updated easily.
Pull requests can also be used to discuss the changes that have been made, meaning that any issues that have been identified can easily be addressed. This makes the process of maintaining and updating projects much more efficient.
FAQ
What do you mean by “Fork” a project?
Forking is the process of cloning an existing project from GitHub and making changes to it in a separate repository. This enables developers to make changes to existing projects without disrupting the main project.
What is the difference between a Pull Request and a Merge Request?
A Pull Request is a request to merge changes from a forked repository into an existing project. A merge request is a request to merge changes from a branch into the main branch of the project.
What happens if my Pull Request is rejected?
If your pull request is rejected, the project’s owner will usually provide feedback on the changes you have made and suggest what should be done to improve them. You then have the opportunity to update your pull request based on the feedback, or amend your changes and submit them as a new pull request.
How can I access the changes that have been made?
When a pull request is accepted, the changes will be merged into the project’s codebase and will become part of the project. You can view the changes by accessing the project’s repository on GitHub.
Can I make changes to an existing Pull Request?
Yes, you can make changes to an existing pull request. You will need to create a new branch and submit the changes from that branch. The project’s owner will then be able to review and accept the changes.
