Modern software development depends on structured collaboration, clear version control practices, and reliable review mechanisms. In GitLab, one of the most important collaboration tools is the pull request—known in GitLab specifically as a merge request. It enables developers to propose changes, discuss improvements, review code, and safely integrate updates into shared branches. Understanding how pull requests work in GitLab is essential for maintaining clean codebases, minimizing errors, and improving team productivity.
TLDR: A pull request in GitLab—called a merge request—is a structured way for developers to propose changes from one branch to another. It allows for code review, automated testing, discussion, and approval before merging into the main codebase. The workflow typically involves branching, committing changes, opening a merge request, review, approval, and merging. Following best practices such as small focused changes, clear descriptions, and proper reviewer assignments significantly improves collaboration and code quality.
Understanding Pull Requests in GitLab
Although the term pull request is widely associated with GitHub, GitLab uses the term merge request (MR). Functionally, both serve the same purpose: they allow contributors to request that their changes be merged from a source branch into a target branch.
In GitLab, a merge request:
- Shows the differences between the source and target branches
- Provides a discussion platform for feedback and suggestions
- Triggers automated CI/CD pipelines
- Enforces approval rules before merging
- Maintains a record of changes for compliance and auditing
Instead of directly pushing changes to the main branch, developers create a separate branch, work independently, and then initiate a merge request. This structured workflow protects the stability of the primary branch and encourages peer review.
The Standard GitLab Pull Request Workflow
The pull request workflow in GitLab follows a clear and repeatable path. While organizations may customize steps based on their policies, the core process usually includes the following stages:
1. Create a Branch
A developer begins by creating a new branch from the main or development branch. Branch naming conventions often reflect the purpose of the change, such as:
- feature/user-authentication
- bugfix/login-error
- hotfix/security-patch
This isolation ensures that ongoing work does not affect stable code.
2. Make and Commit Changes
The developer edits files locally, then commits changes using descriptive commit messages. Clear commit messages improve traceability and help reviewers understand the purpose of each update.
3. Push the Branch to GitLab
After local testing, the developer pushes the branch to the remote GitLab repository. GitLab often prompts the user to create a merge request immediately after the push.
4. Open a Merge Request
When opening the merge request, the contributor selects:
- Source branch – where changes originate
- Target branch – where changes will be merged
The developer then fills out the title and description, explaining:
- The purpose of the change
- Related issues
- Testing steps
- Screenshots (if applicable)
5. Review and Discussion
Reviewers examine the proposed changes line by line. GitLab provides inline comments, suggestions, and discussion threads to facilitate collaborative feedback.
6. CI/CD Pipeline Execution
GitLab automatically runs pipelines configured in the project. These pipelines may include:
- Automated testing
- Code linting
- Security scans
- Build verification
If any checks fail, the developer must fix issues before merging.
7. Approval and Merge
Once reviewers approve the merge request and pipelines pass successfully, the changes can be merged into the target branch. GitLab supports multiple merge strategies, including merge commits, squash merging, and rebasing.
The Approval Process in GitLab
GitLab provides a robust approval system that can be customized at the project or group level. This ensures that changes meet organizational standards before integration.
Approval Rules
Approval rules define how many and which reviewers must approve a merge request. For example:
- At least two developers must approve
- One approval must come from a senior engineer
- Security-related changes require security team review
These rules prevent unauthorized or insufficiently reviewed changes from reaching production.
Code Owners
GitLab supports a CODEOWNERS file, where specific team members are assigned responsibility for certain files or directories. When changes affect those files, approval from the listed owners becomes mandatory.
Protected Branches
Protected branches restrict who can push or merge changes. Typically, the main or production branch is protected, requiring:
- Mandatory reviews
- Successful CI/CD pipeline completion
- Specific user permissions to merge
Merge Checks
GitLab can enforce automatic checks such as:
- All discussions must be resolved
- Pipeline must succeed
- No conflicts allowed
This systematic approach ensures consistency and accountability.
Key Features That Enhance Pull Requests in GitLab
GitLab extends beyond basic pull request functionality by offering integrated tools that strengthen collaboration.
1. Inline Code Suggestions
Reviewers can suggest direct code modifications inside the review interface. Developers can apply suggestions with a single click.
2. Linked Issues
Merge requests can automatically close issues when merged, streamlining project tracking.
3. Draft Merge Requests
Developers can mark merge requests as drafts when work is still in progress, signaling reviewers that the changes are not yet ready for approval.
4. Time Tracking and Milestones
Teams can associate merge requests with milestones or track development time within GitLab.
5. Security and Compliance Scanning
Advanced GitLab plans include built-in security testing features such as SAST and dependency scanning to detect vulnerabilities during the merge request stage.
Best Practices for Using Pull Requests in GitLab
To maximize efficiency and reduce bottlenecks, teams should apply structured best practices.
Keep Merge Requests Small and Focused
Smaller merge requests are easier to review and less likely to introduce bugs. Each request should ideally address a single feature, improvement, or fix.
Write Clear Descriptions
A well-written description should include:
- A concise summary of the change
- Context and motivation
- Testing instructions
- Potential risks
Clarity reduces reviewer confusion and speeds up approval.
Follow Naming Conventions
Consistent branch names and commit messages improve traceability and maintain professional structure across the project.
Use Draft Mode Strategically
Draft mode prevents unnecessary reviews for incomplete work and signals that feedback may not yet be required.
Review Promptly and Constructively
Timely reviews keep development moving. Feedback should be specific, respectful, and actionable.
Resolve All Discussions
Unresolved comments can lead to misunderstandings. Ensuring all threads are resolved increases confidence before merging.
Automate Testing
Strong CI/CD integration reduces manual work and catches errors early. Automated tests should be comprehensive and reliable.
Regularly Rebase or Sync Branches
Keeping branches up to date with the target branch minimizes merge conflicts and integration headaches.
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced teams encounter difficulties with pull requests. Some common challenges include:
- Large, complex merge requests – Break them into smaller segments.
- Delayed reviews – Assign clear reviewers and set expectations.
- Merge conflicts – Frequently synchronize branches.
- Insufficient documentation – Standardize templates for descriptions.
Establishing internal guidelines often solves these recurring issues.
Why Pull Requests Matter
Pull requests are not just a technical mechanism—they represent a cultural standard of collaboration. They encourage shared ownership, promote knowledge transfer, and create a verifiable history of development decisions.
By requiring structured review, automated validation, and formal approval, GitLab merge requests protect code integrity while enabling teams to move quickly and confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is a pull request the same as a merge request in GitLab?
Yes. GitLab uses the term merge request, but the functionality is equivalent to a pull request in other platforms.
2. Can a merge request be edited after creation?
Yes. Developers can update the source branch with additional commits, and the merge request will automatically reflect those changes.
3. What happens if the CI/CD pipeline fails?
The merge request cannot be merged until pipeline issues are resolved, provided the project enforces pipeline success requirements.
4. Who can approve a merge request?
Approval permissions depend on project settings, roles, and defined approval rules. Specific users or groups may be required.
5. Can a merge request be merged without approval?
Only if the project does not enforce mandatory approval rules. Many teams configure GitLab to require at least one or more approvals.
6. What is a draft merge request?
A draft merge request indicates that the work is not yet ready for final review or merging.
7. How are merge conflicts handled in GitLab?
GitLab displays conflicts directly in the interface and may allow web-based resolution. Otherwise, conflicts must be resolved locally and pushed again.
8. Why are pull requests considered important for security?
They enforce peer review, automated testing, and security scans, reducing the risk of introducing vulnerabilities into the main codebase.
By understanding GitLab’s pull request workflow, approval mechanisms, and best practices, development teams can significantly improve efficiency, code quality, and collaborative success.