Pull Request vs Merge Request: A Clear Comparison and Overview

Git is widely recognized as one of the most popular distributed version control systems available today. It is an incredibly versatile tool that supports collaboration and cooperation among developers, teams, and organizations. Version control systems like Git enable multiple users to work on a project simultaneously without overwriting each other’s changes. This is essential for managing projects of any scale, especially software development projects where code evolves rapidly.

Distributed version control means every user has a complete copy of the entire repository, including its history. This setup allows developers to work offline and independently before syncing their changes with the central repository. Git’s architecture enhances speed, security, and flexibility compared to centralized systems.

Although Git provides numerous commands and features, the breadth of available options can sometimes be overwhelming. Many users find it challenging to understand the exact purpose and functionality of each command or feature, especially when different platforms use slightly different terminologies for similar concepts.

The Role of Collaboration in Git

Collaboration is a core aspect of modern software development, and Git facilitates this by enabling multiple developers to contribute simultaneously. Instead of a linear workflow, Git supports branching and merging, which allows developers to create separate branches to work on features, fixes, or experiments without disrupting the main codebase.

Once changes are ready and tested, they can be integrated back into the main branch. This integration requires a clear process to ensure that all contributions are reviewed, tested, and discussed by the team. This process helps maintain code quality and prevents bugs from entering the production code.

Tools like pull requests and merge requests were introduced to improve this collaboration process. They provide a platform for developers to propose changes, get feedback from peers, and discuss code before merging it with the main repository. Understanding these tools is crucial to maximizing Git’s potential in collaborative environments.

What Is a Pull Request?

Pull requests originated on platforms like GitHub and Bitbucket as a web-based method to submit changes to a project. The term “pull request” comes from the idea that a developer is requesting the project maintainers to “pull” their changes from a personal fork or branch into the main repository.

When you create a pull request, you are signaling to the team that you want your changes to be merged into the main codebase. This request triggers a review process where other team members can comment on the code, suggest modifications, or approve the changes. Pull requests make collaboration transparent and allow teams to maintain control over what gets integrated into the project.

Pull requests usually involve the following steps:

Initiation of a Pull Request

Once you complete a set of changes in your feature or fix branch, you push the branch to the remote repository and create a pull request through the hosting platform’s web interface. This request references the branch you want to merge from and the branch you want to merge into, often the main or master branch.

Code Review and Discussion

Other developers on the project receive a notification about the pull request. They can review the changes, leave comments on specific lines, suggest improvements, or request additional changes before approving the merge. This collaborative review process helps improve code quality and share knowledge across the team.

Additional Commits and Updates

If reviewers suggest changes, the author can continue to commit updates to the same branch. These new commits automatically become part of the existing pull request, allowing the discussion to continue until all concerns are addressed.

Merging the Pull Request

After all feedback is incorporated and the code meets quality standards, the pull request is approved and merged into the main branch. This step updates the main codebase with the new changes, and the pull request is then closed.

Understanding the Git Pull Command

It is important to distinguish between a pull request and the Git pull command. The Git pull command is a local Git operation that updates your current branch with changes from a remote repository. Internally, it is a combination of two commands: Git fetch and Git merge.

Git Fetch

Git fetch downloads new data from a remote repository to your local repository. However, it does not automatically merge these changes into your working files. Fetching is a safe way to see the latest changes in the remote repository without affecting your current work.

Git Merge

Git merge takes the changes from one branch and integrates them into another branch. When combined with Git fetch as Git pull, it ensures your local branch has the latest updates from the remote branch.

Although the Git pull command updates your local repository, the pull request is a collaborative tool that facilitates discussion and review before merging changes into the main project.

What Is a Merge Request?

Merge requests serve the same fundamental purpose as pull requests, but the terminology used is primarily by GitLab and some other platforms. A merge request is a request to merge changes from one branch to another, typically from a feature branch to the main branch.

Like pull requests, merge requests provide a platform for code review and discussion, allowing team members to collaborate effectively. The main goal is to maintain high code quality and ensure all changes are vetted before integration.

The Merge Process in Merge Requests

Merge requests revolve around the Git merge operation. This process combines changes from one branch into another, creating a consistent and updated codebase. Unlike Git pull, merge requests do not involve downloading changes but focus exclusively on merging.

Developers submit merge requests after pushing their local changes to a remote branch. Maintainers then review the proposed changes, request edits if necessary, and approve the merge. Once approved, the changes are merged into the target branch.

GitHub Pull Requests vs. GitLab Merge Requests

While pull requests and merge requests perform the same essential function, they differ primarily in terminology and platform usage. GitHub and Bitbucket use “pull request,” while GitLab refers to them as “merge requests.”

The platforms offer different user interfaces and slightly varying workflows, but the collaboration principles remain consistent. Both provide tools for inline code comments, approvals, and managing the merge process.

Understanding this distinction helps developers work seamlessly across different repositories and platforms without confusion.

Detailed Comparison: Pull Requests vs. Merge Requests

Understanding the subtle differences and similarities between pull requests and merge requests is essential for developers who collaborate across different platforms. Both tools serve to merge code changes, but they differ slightly in terminology, workflow, and platform integration.

Terminology and Platform Usage

Pull requests are predominantly used on platforms like GitHub and Bitbucket, whereas merge requests are native to GitLab. The naming reflects the conceptual focus of each platform but does not change the core function: proposing changes and requesting integration into the main codebase.

The term “pull request” emphasizes that the maintainer is being asked to “pull” changes from a contributor’s branch or fork. On the other hand, “merge request” highlights the act of merging the code changes into the main branch.

Workflow Differences

While the workflows are quite similar, minor differences exist due to platform conventions and features.

• Branch Management: In GitHub, contributors often fork the repository, create a branch on their fork, and submit a pull request to the original repository. In GitLab, contributors may work directly on branches within the same repository or fork and submit merge requests.
• Review Process: Both tools allow inline commenting and approval workflows. GitHub pull requests may integrate with additional apps and bots for automation, while GitLab offers built-in CI/CD pipelines tightly integrated with merge requests.
• Merge Options: GitHub provides different merge methods, such as merge commits, squashing commits, or rebasing and merging. GitLab also offers merge commits, squash, and fast-forward merges, but with a slightly different user interface and controls.

Despite these differences, the core collaborative function remains consistent: enabling review, discussion, and controlled merging of code changes.

Functional Similarities

Both pull and merge requests:

• Facilitate code review by allowing team members to examine proposed changes.
• Provide a platform for discussion and feedback directly linked to specific code lines.
• Enable additional commits to be added to the same request after initial submission.
• Allow maintainers to approve, request changes, or reject the merge.
• Automatically update the main branch once the request is merged.

Visualizing Pull and Merge Requests

Both types of requests offer visual interfaces where developers can compare changes side-by-side, review diffs, and leave comments. This visual feedback is invaluable for identifying potential bugs, code style issues, or architectural concerns before integration.

The Importance of Code Review in Pull and Merge Requests

Code review is a central practice facilitated by pull and merge requests. It is a process where team members examine code changes to ensure quality, maintainability, and adherence to project standards.

Benefits of Code Review

• Improved Code Quality: Reviewers can spot bugs, logical errors, or security vulnerabilities that the original author might have missed.
• Knowledge Sharing: Reviewing code exposes team members to different parts of the codebase and various coding styles, fostering collective code ownership.
• Consistency: Enforces coding standards and guidelines through peer review.
• Reduced Risk: Catching issues early prevents bugs from reaching production, saving time and resources.

Best Practices in Code Review

• Provide constructive and respectful feedback.
• Focus on the code, not the coder.
• Keep comments clear and actionable.
• Use automated tools to catch formatting and style issues before human review.
• Limit the size of pull or merge requests to make reviews manageable.

The Benefits of Using Pull Requests and Merge Requests

While Git commands like git pull and git merge can be used directly in command-line workflows, pull and merge requests add significant value by introducing structure and transparency.

Enhanced Collaboration and Communication

Pull and merge requests centralize the discussion about proposed changes. Instead of relying on emails or chat messages, all comments, reviews, and decisions happen within the version control platform. This reduces miscommunication and makes the review process more efficient.

Maintaining a Clear Project History

By using pull and merge requests, the project maintains a clear, documented history of why and how changes were made. Discussions, reviews, and approval decisions are preserved alongside the code, providing valuable context for future developers.

Integration with Automation Tools

Modern platforms integrate pull and merge requests with continuous integration (CI) systems. Automated tests, code quality checks, and security scans can run automatically when a request is submitted, providing immediate feedback on the impact of the proposed changes.

Safer Code Integration

Requests allow for testing and review before merging, minimizing the risk of introducing breaking changes. Maintainers can enforce rules such as mandatory approvals or passing test results before a request is merged.

Common Confusions Clarified

Some users confuse pull requests with the git pull command or think that merge requests automatically pull changes from remote repositories. It is important to understand that:

• A pull request is a collaboration and review tool, not a Git command.
• The git pull command updates your local repository with changes from a remote branch.
• A merge request is a request to merge code, not a command that executes the merge itself until approved.
• Both pull and merge requests require manual or automated approval before changes are integrated.

The Lifecycle of a Pull or Merge Request

Understanding the typical lifecycle helps teams adopt and optimize their workflows.

Fork or Branch Creation

The contributor creates a new branch or forks the main repository to isolate their changes.

Development and Testing

Code changes are made locally and tested thoroughly before pushing to the remote repository.

Submission of the Request

A pull or merge request is created through the platform’s interface, signaling readiness for review.

Review and Feedback

Reviewers comment, request changes, and collaborate with the contributor to improve the code.

Approval and Merge

Once the changes meet quality standards, the request is approved and merged into the main branch.

Post-Merge Actions

Following a merge, teams may deploy changes, update documentation, or communicate the update to stakeholders.

How Pull Requests and Merge Requests Work Behind the Scenes

To fully appreciate the value of pull and merge requests, it is important to understand the technical mechanisms that support them. This section breaks down the steps and processes that occur from the moment a developer starts working on a feature until their changes are integrated into the main codebase.

Forking and Cloning the Repository

Most collaborative workflows start with a developer creating a fork or branch of the main repository.

• Forking creates a copy of the repository under the developer’s account. This is common on platforms like GitHub.
• Branching creates a new line of development within the same repository, often used in GitLab or in smaller teams where everyone has push access.

After forking or branching, the developer clones the repository or branch to their local machine. This local copy contains all the project files and history, allowing the developer to work offline and independently.

Making Changes Locally

Developers implement new features, fix bugs, or make improvements in their local environment. This stage involves writing code, running tests, and iterating until the changes meet the desired functionality and quality.

Committing Changes

As progress is made, developers create commits — snapshots of changes with descriptive messages. Commits represent logical units of work and help track the history of modifications.

Pushing Changes to Remote

Once the local work is ready, developers push their commits to the forked repository or the feature branch in the remote repository. This action updates the remote copy with all the recent changes.

Creating the Pull or Merge Request

After pushing, the developer opens a pull or merge request via the platform’s web interface. This request includes metadata such as the source branch, target branch, and optionally a description of what the changes achieve.

Review and Collaboration

Team members review the request using tools provided by the platform, such as inline comments, approval buttons, and discussion threads. The author can make further commits in response to feedback, which automatically update the request.

Automated Checks and CI/CD Pipelines

Many repositories integrate continuous integration (CI) pipelines that run automated tests and quality checks on the submitted code. These pipelines provide early detection of bugs and enforce coding standards.

Approval and Merging

After all discussions and automated checks are complete and the reviewers approve the changes, the maintainer or authorized person merges the request into the target branch. The merge integrates the new code, updating the project’s main codebase.

Post-Merge Cleanup

Following the merge, the feature branch or fork is often deleted to keep the repository clean. Developers may also update their local copies to reflect the latest main branch state.

Advantages of Using Pull and Merge Requests in Development

Pull and merge requests offer several distinct advantages that improve software development workflows and team dynamics.

Structured Collaboration

By formalizing the process of code submission and review, these requests encourage better communication and transparency. Every change is visible to the whole team and open for discussion.

Quality Assurance

Pull and merge requests provide natural checkpoints for reviewing code quality. Combined with automated testing, they help ensure only thoroughly vetted code is merged.

Conflict Management

Requests make it easier to detect and resolve conflicts between different code changes. Developers can see how their work interacts with others before integration.

Accountability and Traceability

Each request documents who proposed changes, who reviewed them, and what feedback was given. This creates a clear audit trail for accountability and future reference.

Continuous Improvement

The review process fosters learning and skill development, as developers receive constructive feedback and gain exposure to different coding approaches.

Common Use Cases for Pull and Merge Requests

These tools are versatile and can be applied in various scenarios beyond simple feature addition.

Feature Development

When developing new functionality, teams create branches or forks to isolate work until it is ready for integration.

Bug Fixes

Developers use pull or merge requests to propose fixes that can be carefully reviewed and tested before applying them to the main codebase.

Refactoring and Code Cleanup

Large-scale code improvements or refactoring efforts benefit from requests by providing visibility and reducing the risk of introducing errors.

Experimentation and Prototyping

Developers can work on experimental features or prototypes in isolated branches and submit requests once the work is mature enough for review.

Documentation Updates

Even changes to documentation or configuration files can be submitted through pull or merge requests, ensuring consistency and review.

Challenges and Considerations When Using Pull and Merge Requests

While these tools offer many benefits, there are some challenges teams should be aware of to optimize their use.

Managing Large or Complex Requests

Very large pull or merge requests can be difficult to review thoroughly and may slow down the integration process. It is best practice to keep requests small and focused.

Handling Review Delays

Delays in reviewing requests can create bottlenecks. Teams should establish clear review responsibilities and timelines to keep work moving.

Dealing with Merge Conflicts

Conflicts between concurrent changes require communication and coordination. Early detection through frequent updates reduces conflict risks.

Balancing Automation and Human Review

While automation helps catch errors early, human review is crucial for understanding the broader context and ensuring code quality. Teams need to find the right balance.

Onboarding New Contributors

For open-source projects or large teams, clear contribution guidelines and documentation are necessary to help new developers understand the pull or merge request process.

Best Practices for Using Pull Requests and Merge Requests Effectively

Adopting effective practices when working with pull and merge requests can significantly improve team collaboration, code quality, and project velocity. The following guidelines help maximize the benefits of these tools.

Keep Changes Small and Focused

Smaller pull or merge requests are easier and faster to review. They allow reviewers to concentrate on specific issues, reducing the chance of overlooking important details. Avoid bundling unrelated changes into a single request.

Write Clear Descriptions

Provide detailed but concise explanations of what the request accomplishes. Include the purpose of the change, any relevant context, and instructions for testing if needed. Clear descriptions help reviewers understand the intent and impact.

Use Descriptive Commit Messages

Commit messages should explain why a change was made, not just what was changed. This clarity aids reviewers and future maintainers when tracing the history of changes.

Engage Reviewers Early

Don’t wait until the last minute to create a pull or merge request. Early submission allows reviewers more time to provide thoughtful feedback and reduces integration delays.

Respond Promptly to Feedback

Address comments and requested changes quickly. If a reviewer asks for clarification or modifications, communicate openly and update your code accordingly.

Leverage Automated Tools

Integrate continuous integration (CI) pipelines and code quality tools with pull and merge requests. Automated tests, linters, and security scanners help catch issues before human review, streamlining the process.

Enforce Branch Protection Rules

Use branch protection settings to require successful checks and approvals before merging. This prevents accidental integration of unverified code.

Document Contribution Guidelines

For projects with multiple contributors, maintain clear documentation on how to create and manage pull or merge requests. This helps standardize the workflow and onboard new team members effectively.

How Pull Requests and Merge Requests Fit into Modern Development Workflows

Pull and merge requests are critical components of contemporary software development methodologies, including Agile, DevOps, and Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD).

Agile Development

In Agile environments, teams work in iterative cycles and require frequent integration of small, tested changes. Pull and merge requests support this by enabling incremental code review and integration, aligning well with sprint goals.

DevOps and CI/CD Pipelines

DevOps practices emphasize automation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Pull and merge requests integrate seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines, triggering automated builds and tests that ensure new code meets quality standards before deployment.

Open Source Collaboration

Open source projects rely heavily on pull and merge requests for community contributions. They provide a structured way to manage external contributions, review code, and maintain project integrity.

Code Ownership and Review Culture

Requests promote a culture of shared code ownership, where developers collectively maintain and improve the codebase. Regular reviews help disseminate knowledge and uphold coding standards.

Tools and Platforms Supporting Pull and Merge Requests

Many version control platforms provide robust interfaces and features for managing pull and merge requests.

GitHub

GitHub popularized pull requests, offering an intuitive web interface with features such as code review comments, review assignments, and integration with numerous third-party tools.

GitLab

GitLab’s merge requests come with integrated CI/CD capabilities, issue tracking, and project management tools, providing a comprehensive DevOps platform.

Bitbucket

Bitbucket supports pull requests with features like inline comments, branch permissions, and integration with Atlassian’s ecosystem, including Jira and Bamboo.

Other Tools

Platforms like Azure DevOps and Gerrit also provide similar functionality for managing code reviews and merges, tailored to enterprise environments.

Final Thoughts on Pull Requests and Merge Requests: Enhancing Collaboration and Code Quality in Software Development

In the rapidly evolving world of software development, collaboration and code quality stand as pillars of successful project delivery. Pull requests and merge requests have emerged as essential tools that empower developers and teams to work together efficiently, ensuring that code changes are carefully reviewed, discussed, and integrated into the main codebase. While often used interchangeably, understanding the nuances, benefits, and best practices associated with these tools is critical for any developer or team aiming to optimize their workflow.

The Importance of Collaborative Development

Modern software projects rarely exist in isolation. Whether it is a small team within an enterprise or a global open-source community, software development today demands cooperation across diverse skill sets, geographies, and time zones. Collaborative development harnesses collective intelligence and diverse perspectives, improving the robustness and innovation of software products.

Pull and merge requests provide a formalized, web-based mechanism to facilitate this collaboration. They create a shared space where developers can present their code changes, invite peer review, engage in constructive dialogue, and refine their work before integration. This process moves beyond individual coding efforts, transforming development into a team sport with transparency and accountability.

Pull Requests and Merge Requests: More Than Just Code Integration

At their core, pull requests (common on platforms like GitHub and Bitbucket) and merge requests (prevalent on GitLab and others) are methods for requesting the integration of code changes from one branch or fork into another, typically the main or master branch. However, their role extends far beyond mere code merging.

These requests serve as the cornerstone of a structured development lifecycle that emphasizes:

• Quality Assurance: Code submitted via requests undergoes review, reducing bugs and improving maintainability.
• Knowledge Sharing: Reviews promote learning by exposing team members to different coding styles and problem-solving approaches.
• Documentation: The discussions, comments, and decisions recorded in requests create a valuable audit trail for future reference.
• Communication: Centralizing discussions around code changes reduces miscommunication and keeps the entire team aligned.

Addressing Common Challenges Through Pull and Merge Requests

Every development team faces challenges, such as integrating code from multiple contributors, avoiding regressions, and managing conflicting changes. Pull and merge requests help address these challenges by:

• Enabling Incremental Changes: Instead of large, unwieldy code dumps, changes are proposed in manageable increments, making reviews and testing more effective.
• Facilitating Early Detection of Issues: Through continuous integration pipelines that run automated tests on requests, problems can be detected before affecting the main codebase.
• Providing a Platform for Conflict Resolution: When merge conflicts arise, requests highlight these conflicts early, allowing developers to collaborate on resolving them promptly.
• Encouraging Accountability: By requiring reviews and approvals, the process promotes responsibility for code quality among team members.

Best Practices: Maximizing the Impact of Requests

Simply adopting pull or merge requests does not guarantee success. Teams must commit to best practices to realize the full benefits:

• Focus on Small, Atomic Changes: Smaller requests reduce cognitive load for reviewers and minimize merge conflicts.
• Write Clear Descriptions and Commit Messages: Communication is key. Descriptions should explain the “why” behind changes, not just the “what.”
• Engage Reviewers Early and Often: Prompt reviews prevent bottlenecks and foster continuous feedback loops.
• Leverage Automation Wisely: Integrating automated tests, linters, and security scanners helps maintain code standards without burdening reviewers.
• Maintain Consistent Contribution Guidelines: Clear documentation helps onboard new contributors and standardizes the review process.
• Respect Review Feedback: Constructive critique should be embraced as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Impact on Development Workflow and Culture

The integration of pull and merge requests profoundly influences both the workflow and culture of software teams.

• Workflow Efficiency: Automated pipelines and structured review processes enable faster, safer code integration, aligning with Agile and DevOps principles.
• Culture of Collaboration: Requests foster an environment where peer feedback is normalized and valued, promoting psychological safety and continuous learning.
• Increased Transparency: Every change is visible and traceable, making it easier to manage project progress and accountability.
• Empowered Developers: By participating in reviews, developers gain insights into the project as a whole, elevating their expertise and engagement.

The Role of Technology Platforms

Various platforms have optimized the pull and merge request experience, each with unique features that cater to different team needs:

• GitHub popularized the pull request model, combining an intuitive UI with powerful integrations.
• GitLab integrates merge requests tightly with CI/CD, issue tracking, and project management for a full DevOps lifecycle.
• Bitbucket offers robust pull request functionality alongside Atlassian’s ecosystem, supporting enterprise workflows.

Choosing the right platform and configuring it to suit team requirements is essential for harnessing the full potential of requests.

Future Trends and Evolutions

As software development practices evolve, so too do the mechanisms for code collaboration. Some emerging trends include:

• Increased Automation: AI-powered code review assistants and automated merge conflict resolution tools are becoming more common.
• Better Metrics and Insights: Advanced analytics on pull and merge request activity help teams identify bottlenecks and improve productivity.
• Deeper Integration: Closer coupling with project management, security scanning, and deployment tools streamlines end-to-end workflows.
• Enhanced Contributor Experience: Simplified onboarding and more intuitive interfaces aim to lower barriers for new contributors.

Staying abreast of these developments ensures teams remain agile and effective.

Conclusion: Pull and Merge Requests as Foundations of Modern Software Development

Pull requests and merge requests have transformed how teams collaborate on code, making software development more transparent, inclusive, and reliable. They facilitate communication, enhance quality, and integrate automation to support modern development methodologies.

For developers, mastering these tools is crucial for contributing effectively in team environments. For teams and organizations, fostering a healthy pull and merge request culture drives continuous improvement and accelerates delivery.

By embracing the principles and practices surrounding pull and merge requests, software teams can build better products, strengthen collaboration, and navigate the complexities of modern development with confidence and agility.