How to use the command 'gh issue create' (with examples)

The gh issue create command is part of GitHub’s CLI (Command Line Interface) that allows developers to create issues on GitHub repositories directly from the terminal. This command streamlines the process of issue creation, making it more efficient by providing a variety of options for customizing each issue. Whether you need to quickly jot down a bug or delegate tasks to team members on a shared repository, this tool provides the flexibility and speed ideal for developers working in a command line environment.

Create a new issue against the current repository interactively

Code:

gh issue create

Motivation:

Using this command without any additional flags allows the user to engage with a text-based user interface within the terminal, guiding them through the steps to create a new issue. This is extremely beneficial when you want to create issues quickly and customize them as needed without leaving the terminal environment or using the web interface.

Explanation:

• gh issue create: Initiates the interactive process to create a new issue. The command, when executed, will prompt the user for the title and body of the issue, and other details if necessary. Interaction is straightforward with prompts that ensure you enter the needed information step-by-step.

Example output:

? Title <Enter>
? Body <Enter>
? What would you like to do next?  [Use arrows to move, type to filter]

Create a new issue with the bug label interactively

Code:

gh issue create --label "bug"

Motivation:

When you want to categorize a new issue as a bug from the outset, using a label helps in prioritizing and filtering such issues. It provides a predefined tag that aids team members in quickly identifying and handling critical bugs.

Explanation:

• --label "bug": This flag is used to automatically tag the new issue with the label “bug”. Labels in GitHub allow for easy categorization and filtering of issues, making it simpler to manage and address tasks specific to each label.

Example output:

? Title (space for matching issues) <Enter>
? Body <Enter>
? Labels bug

Create a new issue interactively and assign it to the specified users

Code:

gh issue create --assignee user1,user2,...

Motivation:

Assigning issues to users right at creation ensures immediate accountability, streamlining project management. When an issue is directed to specific team members, it clarifies who is responsible for addressing or resolving it, reducing ambiguity.

Explanation:

• --assignee user1,user2,...: This flag is used to assign the issue to one or more GitHub users by their usernames. By specifying the users during issue creation, you ensure that the right team members are notified and can take ownership of the task.

Example output:

? Title <Enter>
? Body <Enter>
? Assignees user1, user2

Create a new issue with a title, body and assign it to the current user

Code:

gh issue create --title "title" --body "body" --assignee "@me"

Motivation:

For personal tasks or when you identify a problem you intend to work on immediately, this format allows for quick documentation and task assignment to yourself. This ensures efficient personal task management within larger projects.

Explanation:

• --title "title": Sets the title of the issue directly from the command line, saving time by not prompting you for this input later.
• --body "body": Allows you to immediately include a detailed description of the issue, which is valuable when the specifics are fresh in your mind.
• --assignee "@me": The @me placeholder assigns the issue to the current user, who is executing the command, ensuring that it appears in your personal issue queue.

Example output:

Title: title
Body: body
Assignees: YourUsername

Create a new issue interactively, reading the body text from a file

Code:

gh issue create --body-file path/to/file

Motivation:

When you have detailed specifications or logs that are better organized in a file, this method allows you to conveniently upload all necessary information without typing it out or copying it manually line by line.

Explanation:

• --body-file path/to/file: This command incorporates the content of a specified file into the issue’s body. It’s incredibly useful for lengthy descriptions, logs, or other documentation that is most accurately or easily prepared outside of an interactive prompt.

Example output:

? Title <Enter>
Body: <Content from path/to/file>

Create a new issue in the default web browser

Code:

gh issue create --web

Motivation:

Sometimes, issues require more advanced formatting or integrations that are easier through GitHub’s web interface. This command provides a seamless transition from CLI to browser, bridging the gap between CLI efficiency and web-based visuals.

Explanation:

• --web: This flag instructs the command to open the issue creation page directly in your default web browser, where you can take advantage of GitHub’s full suite of issue creation tools and formatting options.

Example output:

Opening github.com in your web browser...

Display the help

Code:

gh issue create --help

Motivation:

Accessing the help documentation quickly from the command line ensures that users can understand and utilize the various options available with gh issue create without needing to leave the terminal environment. This is helpful for quick learning or refresher on the commands.

Explanation:

• --help: This flag prints out the help documentation for the gh issue create command, including all possible flags and options. It’s particularly useful for familiarizing oneself with lesser-known features or for new users to learn how to use the command effectively.

Example output:

Create a new issue

USAGE
  gh issue create [flags]

FLAGS
  --assignee    Assign people by their login
  --body        Supply a body. For mutli-line input, add a newline character

... (additional help text)

Conclusion:

The gh issue create command is a powerful tool for developers looking to manage GitHub issues efficiently through the terminal. With interactive prompts, customizable flags, and file integrations, this command adapts to a range of development needs, from quick bug reporting to detailed issue documentation. Whether you’re working solo or within a team, gh issue create offers a streamlined approach to issue management that integrates smoothly into any workflow.