How to use the command 'git pr' (with examples)
git pr
is a versatile command from the git-extras
package that allows developers to interact with GitHub pull requests directly from their local command line. This tool simplifies the process of fetching, checking out, and managing pull requests, allowing users to seamlessly integrate remote changes into their development workflow without leaving the command line interface. The command enhances productivity by providing a streamlined method to handle various pull request operations, making it easier for developers to review, test, and merge code changes locally.
Use case 1: Check out a specific pull request
Code:
git pr pr_number
Motivation:
Checking out a specific pull request can be particularly helpful when a developer wants to review changes before merging them into the main branch. This step is crucial for quality control and ensures that the new code will not introduce any unwanted issues or bugs into the project. By checking out the pull request locally, a developer can run tests, inspect the code, and make any necessary modifications in a more controlled environment.
Explanation:
git pr
: Invokes the command to interact with pull requests.pr_number
: Represents the numerical identifier of the pull request to be checked out. This number is unique to each pull request and is typically displayed alongside the pull request on the repository’s GitHub page.
Example output:
Upon executing this command, you may see output similar to:
From https://github.com/repo-owner/repo-name
* [new branch] pr-branch-name -> origin/pr/number
Branch 'pr-branch-name' set up to track remote branch 'pr/number' from 'origin'.
Switched to a new branch 'pr-branch-name'
Use case 2: Check out a pull request from a specific remote
Code:
git pr pr_number remote
Motivation:
In scenarios where a repository has multiple remotes, a developer might want to check out a pull request from a specific remote. This situation often arises when working with forked projects or collaborating across different repositories. By specifying a remote, the developer ensures that they are reviewing the correct version of a pull request, avoiding any confusion that might arise from having multiple sources of similar data.
Explanation:
git pr
: Initiates the command to fetch and check out a pull request.pr_number
: Indicates the unique identifier of the pull request you wish to access.remote
: The name of the specific remote repository from which the pull request will be checked out. This is useful when dealing with multiple remotes within a project.
Example output:
Executing this command will display output similar to this:
From https://github.com/remote-owner/repo-name
* [new branch] pr-branch-name -> remote/pr/number
Branch 'pr-branch-name' set up to track remote branch 'pr/number' from 'remote'.
Switched to a new branch 'pr-branch-name'
Use case 3: Check out a pull request from its URL
Code:
git pr url
Motivation:
Sometimes a pull request might be accessed via its direct URL for accuracy and convenience. This is particularly useful in instances where a developer receives a link to a pull request in communication channels like emails or messages, allowing quick and precise access without needing to search for the pr_number or the associated remote details. This method provides a straightforward way to navigate directly to the desired pull request, especially in collaborative environments.
Explanation:
git pr
: Invokes the pull request command, facilitating interaction with GitHub.url
: The full URL of the pull request hosted on GitHub. This URL serves as an exact reference to the specific pull request, ensuring the right changes are accessed.
Example output:
Upon using this command, you might observe an output such as:
From https://github.com/repo-owner/repo-name
* [new branch] pr-branch-name -> FETCH_HEAD
Branch 'pr-branch-name' set up to track remote branch 'pr/number' from 'origin'.
Switched to a new branch 'pr-branch-name'
Use case 4: Clean up old pull request branches
Code:
git pr clean
Motivation:
As development progresses, numerous branches associated with previously checked out pull requests may accumulate in the local repository. These older branches can clutter the development environment, making it difficult to navigate and manage active work efficiently. By cleaning up these outdated branches, developers can maintain a clean working environment, improve performance, and focus on more relevant, ongoing tasks without unnecessary distractions.
Explanation:
git pr
: Commands the tool to perform operations related to pull requests.clean
: An argument that instructs the command to remove branches associated with old pull requests, tidying up the local repository.
Example output:
After executing this command, the output might look like this:
Deleted branch pr-branch-name (was commit-sha).
This indicates that a branch previously associated with a pull request has been successfully removed.
Conclusion:
The git pr
command provides a range of functionalities that facilitate efficient management of pull requests in a local development environment. By offering the ability to seamlessly check out pull requests by number, remote, or URL, as well as to clean up outdated branches, this tool significantly enhances the workflow for developers collaborating on projects hosted on GitHub. These capabilities allow for better control, review, and integration of code changes, ultimately contributing to more robust software development practices.