Using the `glab mr merge` command (with examples)
In this article, we will explore different use cases of the glab mr merge command, which is used to merge GitLab merge requests. We will provide code examples and explanations for each use case to help you understand how to effectively use this command in your workflow.
Use Case 1: Merge the merge request associated with the current branch interactively
glab mr merge
Motivation: This command is useful when you want to merge the merge request associated with the current branch interactively. This means that you will be prompted to confirm the merge and can review the changes before merging.
Explanation: The glab mr merge command without any additional arguments will automatically merge the merge request associated with the current branch. It will open an interactive session where you can review the changes and confirm the merge.
Example Output: Once you run this command, an interactive session will be initiated where you can review the changes and confirm the merge. You will see a prompt asking you to confirm or reject the merge.
Use Case 2: Merge a specific merge request interactively
glab mr merge mr_number
Motivation: Sometimes, you may want to merge a specific merge request instead of the one associated with the current branch. This command allows you to merge a specific merge request interactively.
Explanation: The glab mr merge command with the mr_number argument allows you to specify the merge request number that you want to merge. It will open an interactive session where you can review the changes and confirm the merge.
Example Output: When you run this command, an interactive session will be initiated where you can review the changes and confirm the merge. You will see a prompt asking you to confirm or reject the merge.
Use Case 3: Merge a merge request and remove the source branch
glab mr merge --remove-source-branch
Motivation: After merging a branch, you may want to remove the source branch to keep your repository clean. This command allows you to merge a merge request and automatically remove the source branch both locally and remotely.
Explanation: The --remove-source-branch argument tells the glab mr merge command to remove the source branch after merging the merge request. This is useful for maintaining a clean repository and reducing clutter.
Example Output: When you run this command, the merge request will be merged and the source branch will be removed both locally and remotely. You will see a confirmation message indicating that the merge request has been successfully merged and the source branch has been deleted.
Use Case 4: Squash a merge request into one commit
glab mr merge --squash --message="commit_message_body"
Motivation: Squashing a merge request into one commit is useful when you want to combine multiple commits into a single commit. This can make the commit history more concise and easier to manage.
Explanation: The --squash argument tells the glab mr merge command to squash the merge request into one commit. The --message argument allows you to provide a commit message for the squashed commit. This commit message should be provided within double quotes after the --message argument.
Example Output: When you run this command, the merge request will be squashed into one commit with the specified commit message. You will see a confirmation message indicating that the merge request has been successfully merged and squashed into a single commit.
Use Case 5: Display help
glab mr merge --help
Motivation: It is always helpful to have access to the command’s documentation and usage instructions. This command allows you to view the help documentation for the glab mr merge command.
Explanation: The --help argument tells the glab mr merge command to display the help documentation. This will provide information about the command’s usage, available arguments, and additional options.
Example Output: When you run this command, the help documentation for the glab mr merge command will be displayed. You will see information about the command’s usage, available arguments, and additional options. This can be useful for understanding how to use the command effectively and learning about any additional features.
