“gh pr merge” is a command provided by GitHub CLI (Command-Line Interface) that allows users to merge GitHub pull requests directly from the command-line interface. It streamlines the process of merging pull requests by providing a convenient and efficient way to incorporate changes from a feature branch into the target branch of a GitHub repository.
Using the “gh pr merge” command, users can perform the following operations related to merging pull requests:
- Merge Pull Requests: The primary function of the “gh pr merge” command is to merge pull requests. By specifying the pull request number or URL as an argument, users can initiate the merge process. The command automatically integrates the changes from the pull request into the target branch, applying the modifications to the repository’s codebase.
- Choose Merge Strategy: GitHub offers different merge strategies, such as “merge commit,” “squash,” and “rebase.” With the “gh pr merge” command, users can specify their preferred merge strategy using flags or options. This allows them to control how the changes from the pull request are incorporated into the target branch.
- Resolve Merge Conflicts: If there are conflicts between the changes in the pull request and the target branch, the “gh pr merge” command helps users identify and resolve these conflicts. It provides guidance and prompts users to resolve conflicts manually before finalizing the merge.
- Close Pull Requests: After successfully merging a pull request, the “gh pr merge” command also provides an option to automatically close the pull request. This helps keep the pull request list tidy and ensures that only active and relevant pull requests remain open.
- Additional Options: The “gh pr merge” command offers additional options to customize the merging process. Users can specify the commit message for the merge, choose to delete the source branch after merging, and provide other parameters to tailor the merging behavior to their specific needs.
By leveraging the capabilities of “gh pr merge,” users can efficiently merge pull requests from the command-line interface, eliminating the need to navigate through web browsers or the GitHub interface. It streamlines the merge process, provides flexibility in choosing merge strategies, and helps resolve conflicts, resulting in a smooth and efficient workflow for incorporating changes into a GitHub repository.
It is important to note that the “gh pr merge” command should be used with caution and in accordance with the repository’s merging guidelines and review processes. Merging pull requests has an impact on the repository’s codebase, and it is essential to ensure that the changes being merged have undergone proper review and testing.
gh pr merge Command Examples
1. Merge the pull request associated with the current branch interactively:
# gh pr merge
2. Merge the specified pull request, interactively:
# gh pr merge pr_number
3. Merge the pull request, removing the branch on both the local and the remote:
# gh pr merge --delete-branch
4. Merge the current pull request with the specified merge strategy:
# gh pr merge --[merge|squash|rebase]
5. Merge the current pull request with the specified merge strategy and commit message:
# gh pr merge --[merge|squash|rebase] --subject commit_message
6. Squash the current pull request into one commit with the message body and merge:
# gh pr merge --squash --body="commit_message_body"
7. Display help:
# gh pr merge --help
Summary
Overall, “gh pr merge” enhances the productivity and efficiency of working with pull requests in GitHub repositories. It simplifies the merging process, offers customization options, and provides a seamless experience for merging changes from pull requests directly from the command-line interface.