How to use the command 'glab mr create' (with examples)

The glab mr create command is a versatile tool designed to streamline the process of managing merge requests on GitLab from the command line. This command allows GitLab users to create merge requests with various options such as interactively entering details, auto-filling from commits, designating draft status, specifying target branches, and even opening the request in a web browser. It provides a convenient and efficient way to handle merge requests directly from your terminal without needing to navigate through the GitLab web interface.

Use case 1: Interactively create a merge request

Code:

glab mr create

Motivation:

You might want to create a merge request interactively when you’re looking to ensure all details such as title, description, and review requests are correctly specified through a user-friendly interface. Interactivity can help when you’re unsure of the exact parameters you want to set and prefer typing them as prompted, which can reduce errors and ensure completeness.

Explanation:

By running glab mr create without any flags, the command enters an interactive mode where you can input necessary information step-by-step. This method is useful when you’re dealing with straightforward merge requests but need to confirm or adjust details as you go.

Example output:

? Choose a base project (use arrows): 
  - project-a
  - project-b
  ? Enter merge request title: 
  [Type your title here]
? Enter merge request description: 
  [Type your description here]
? Assign merge requests to someone (inputs username): 
  [Type username or leave blank]
Merge request created successfully.

Use case 2: Create a merge request, determining the title and description from the commit messages of the current branch

Code:

glab mr create --fill

Motivation:

This option is ideal for situations where your commit messages are descriptive enough to serve as the merge request title and description. It automates the process, saves time, and ensures consistency between your commit summaries and the merge request details, especially useful in fast-paced development environments or CI/CD pipelines.

Explanation:

The --fill flag tells the command to automatically populate the title and description fields of the merge request with the first commit message it encounters on the current branch. This reduces manual input and ensures consistency between what is being committed and reviewed.

Example output:

Filling title and description with commit messages...
Title: "Implement feature X"
Description: "Detailed explanation regarding the implementation of feature X."
Merge request created successfully.

Use case 3: Create a draft merge request

Code:

glab mr create --draft

Motivation:

Draft merge requests are an excellent way to share incomplete work while preventing it from being accidentally merged. This is particularly useful in large teams or when developing sensitive or complex features that require early feedback without the risk of integration before they are ready.

Explanation:

Using the --draft flag marks the merge request as a draft. This prevents it from being merged outright and signals to others that the changes are a work-in-progress, awaiting further development or feedback.

Example output:

Creating draft merge request...
Merge request created in draft mode. It won't be merged until marked as completed.

Use case 4: Create a merge request specifying the target branch, title, and description

Code:

glab mr create --target-branch target_branch --title "title" --description "description"

Motivation:

When you need precision in specifying the target branch and detailed info for the merge request, this use case is perfect. It is critical for complex projects requiring clear specification of where the code will be merged into and what the changes entail, reducing ambiguity and potential errors.

Explanation:

• --target-branch target_branch specifies the branch that you aim to merge your changes into. This directs the changes to the correct line of development.
• --title "title" sets a custom title for the merge request, essential for context and readability.
• --description "description" provides a precise description explaining the changes, intent, or any notable impacts, aiding reviewers in understanding the purpose and impact.

Example output:

Target branch set to target_branch.
Title: "title"
Description: "description"
Merge request created with specified parameters.

Use case 5: Start opening a merge request in the default web browser

Code:

glab mr create --web

Motivation:

This approach allows you to start the merge request process from your terminal and complete it in a web browser, making it useful when you prefer a GUI’s visual and navigational ease for complex merge requests, especially if additional configuration is needed that might not be easily managed via the command line.

Explanation:

The --web flag initializes the creation of the merge request from the command line but then redirects the process to a browser. This option combines the speed of command-line operations with the flexibility of web-based interactions.

Example output:

Opening merge request in web browser...
Your default web browser should have opened the merge request page on GitLab.

Conclusion:

The glab mr create command provides a comprehensive suite of options for creating GitLab merge requests directly from the command line, accommodating different workflows and user preferences. Whether you’re looking for automation through filling from commits, need to specify intricate details with precision, or prefer a draft mode for early feedback, this command adapts to various needs, making it a powerful tool in the development workflow.