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Pull Request vs Merge Request

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TLDR; They mean the same thing. The primary difference lies in the terminology used by different version control systems. Git and GitHub primarily use 'Pull Request,' while GitLab and Bitbucket use 'Merge Request.'

In software development, Pull Requests and Merge Requests are commonly used mechanisms for managing changes to code repositories. While they serve a similar purpose, there are some key differences between the two. Let's explore the benefits, and key differences between Pull Requests and Merge Requests to optimize development workflows.

Key Takeaways

  • Both Pull Requests and Merge Requests serve the essential purpose of proposing and reviewing code changes before integration into the main codebase.
  • The primary difference lies in the terminology used by different version control systems: Git and GitHub primarily use 'Pull Request,' while GitLab and Bitbucket use 'Merge Request.'
  • The workflow and steps involved in both processes are largely similar, involving forking or cloning the repository and then proposing changes.
  • Merge Requests often have more automation options, such as requiring automated tests to pass or obtaining a certain number of approvals before merging.
  • The choice between using Pull Requests or Merge Requests depends on the platform being used.

Definition and Purpose

What is a Pull Request?

A pull request (PR) is a method used in software development to propose changes to a codebase. Pull requests (PRs) are a way to change, review, and merge code in a Git repository on platforms like GitHub and Azure Repos. PRs can come from branches within the same repository or from forks of the repository. They facilitate code review, discussion, and approval before the changes are merged into the main branch.

What is a Merge Request?

A merge request (MR) is similar to a pull request but is commonly used in GitLab. It serves the same purpose of proposing changes, reviewing code, and merging it into the main branch. The terminology differs, but the core functionality remains the same.

Common Goals

Both pull requests and merge requests serve as a means to propose code changes, engage in code review, discuss improvements, and ensure the quality of code before it gets merged into the main branch. They help in maintaining a structured version history, which aids in tracking changes and reverting if necessary. Additionally, these processes allow for isolated development branches to be integrated independently, reducing the likelihood of issues reaching the main codebase.

By encapsulating changes within discrete branches and requests, these processes maintain a structured version history that aids in tracking changes and reverting if necessary.

Terminology Differences

GitHub and Bitbucket

In platforms like GitHub and Bitbucket, the term pull request is commonly used. This terminology comes from the perspective that you're asking the repository owner to pull in changes from your branch. The concept is deeply rooted in how Git works, making it more intuitive for those familiar with Git's underlying mechanics.

GitLab and Other Platforms

On the other hand, GitLab and some other platforms prefer the term merge request. This term is more intuitive for users without a deep Git background, as it directly describes the action of merging changes from one branch to another. The difference in terminology can sometimes lead to confusion, but both terms essentially refer to the same process.

Why the Terminology Matters

The terminology used can impact how new users understand the process. Standardizing these terms could potentially reduce confusion. However, the choice of terms often reflects the platform's design philosophy and target audience. Understanding these differences can help teams choose the platform that best fits their workflow.

In essence, a pull request and a merge request are two sides of the same coin, viewed from different perspectives.

Workflow Comparison

Steps in a Pull Request

  1. Fork or clone the repository.
  2. Create a new branch for your changes.
  3. Make the necessary changes in your branch.
  4. Submit a pull request for review.
  5. Reviewers examine the changes and provide feedback.
  6. Once approved, the changes are merged into the main branch.

Steps in a Merge Request

  1. Fork or clone the repository.
  2. Create a new branch for your changes.
  3. Make the necessary changes in your branch.
  4. Submit a merge request for review.
  5. Reviewers examine the changes and provide feedback.
  6. Once approved, the changes are merged into the main branch.

Key Workflow Differences

While the steps in both pull requests and merge requests are EXACTLY similar, there are some key differences:

  • Merge requests often include a rebase step to ensure the feature branch includes all the latest commits from the main branch.
  • Pull requests and merge requests provide additional resources instead of just merging branches with commands. These include pointers to the main branch, allowing you to distinguish and compare the code in your feature or fix branch.

Both pull requests and merge requests streamline workflow by facilitating code review and collaboration, ensuring high-quality code integration.

Conclusion

In summary, Pull Requests and Merge Requests are both essential tools for managing changes to code repositories in software development. While they serve a similar purpose, key differences such as terminology and the level of automation available can influence a team's choice between the two. Understanding these differences can help development teams optimize their workflows and ensure high-quality code integration. Ultimately, the decision to use Pull Requests or Merge Requests will depend on the platform they are using.