Avoid the "Massive PR" Trap: Best Practices for Pull Requests

Mai Thy Nguyen
November 12, 2024
2 mins read
Others
Avoid the "Massive PR" Trap: Best Practices for Pull Requests

Ever submitted a pull request (PR) with hundreds of files changed? It might seem efficient, but to your reviewers, it’s a nightmare!

Here’s how to avoid this situation and make your PRs easier to review:

meme: Don't give your colleges a massive pull request

Don't give your colleges a massive pull request

Best Practices for Clean, Effective PRs:

  1. Keep PRs Small & Focused:

    • Address one feature or bug at a time. Smaller PRs are easier to review and understand.
    • For large projects, break changes into multiple PRs (e.g., separate frontend and backend updates).

  2. Write Clear Descriptions:

    • Include a summary of what the PR does and why it’s needed. Add screenshots or records if necessary.
    • Example: This PR adds user authentication for better security.

  3. Use Meaningful Commit Messages:

    • A descriptive message like fix: resolve login bug helps reviewers understand your changes quickly.

  4. Use Draft PRs for Feedback:

    • Not ready yet? Use Draft PRs to get early feedback without marking it as ready for review.

  5. Tag the Right Reviewers:

    • Mention colleagues familiar with the code area for quicker, more insightful feedback.

Do you have other PR tips? Share them below!

For more details, check out the full guide here: Best practices for pull requests - GitHub Docs

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