How to Merge 2 Branches in GitLab
Merging branches in GitLab is a fundamental aspect of the software development process, as it allows teams to combine changes from different branches into a single branch. This article will guide you through the steps to merge two branches in GitLab, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.
Step 1: Access the Merge Request Page
To begin the merge process, you need to navigate to the merge request page in GitLab. This can be done by clicking on the “Merge Requests” tab in the project’s sidebar. Once there, you will see a list of all merge requests, including the ones you have created and those created by others.
Step 2: Create a New Merge Request
If you haven’t already created a merge request for the branches you want to merge, click on the “New merge request” button. In the “Source branch” field, select the branch you want to merge from, and in the “Target branch” field, select the branch you want to merge into. After that, click on the “Create merge request” button.
Step 3: Review the Merge Request
Once the merge request is created, you will be taken to the merge request page. Here, you can review the changes proposed by the merge request. Check the “Merge when conditions are met” checkbox to ensure that the merge will only occur when certain conditions are met, such as the build passing or the code review being approved.
Step 4: Approve the Merge Request
If you are the project maintainer or have the necessary permissions, you can approve the merge request by clicking on the “Approve” button. If you are not authorized to approve the merge request, you can assign it to a reviewer by clicking on the “Assignee” field and selecting a user from the dropdown menu.
Step 5: Merge the Branches
After the merge request has been approved, the branches will be automatically merged. GitLab will create a new merge commit that includes all the changes from the source branch. You can verify the merge by checking the “Changes” tab in the merge request page.
Step 6: Test the Merged Branch
It is essential to test the merged branch to ensure that the merge did not introduce any bugs or issues. You can run your project’s test suite or manually test the application to confirm that everything is working as expected.
In conclusion, merging two branches in GitLab is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure a smooth and efficient workflow when combining changes from different branches.
