How to quickly write clear, detailed pull request descriptions

In this guide, we’ll explore techniques for writing clear pull request descriptions that not only communicate your changes effectively but also boost code review optimization. We’ll cover best practices, provide clear examples, and discuss how leveraging AI—like Graphite’s capabilities—can help create detailed PR descriptions quickly.

Why clear pull request descriptions matter

Well-written pull request (PR) descriptions help team members understand the context of changes, verify that all aspects of the implementation have been considered, and ultimately speed up the code review process. Some of the benefits include:

• Improved communication across teams
• Faster and more efficient code review cycles
• Easier onboarding for new team members
• Better documentation for future reference

These factors all contribute to PR best practices and overall project health.

Step-by-step guide to writing effective pull request summaries

Follow these steps to write quick pull request documentation that is both clear and detailed:

1. Start with a concise title Keep the title short, yet descriptive. For example: add user login feature

2. Provide an overview In the first paragraph, summarize what the PR does. Use phrases such as:

   • "This PR implements..."
   • "The goal of this change is..."
   • "This update addresses..."

   Example:

   This PR implements a user login feature by creating new api endpoints, a responsive login form, and integrating validation logic.

3. List the key changes Break down the changes into bullet points. This helps reviewers quickly scan the details.

   • Added new routes for login and logout
   • Created responsive login form with client-side validation
   • Integrated error handling for failed logins
   • Updated unit tests to cover new functionality

4. Explain the rationale Describe why these changes were necessary. Mention any bugs fixed, enhancements made, or technical debt addressed. Example:

   These changes address the long-standing issue of inconsistent login behavior and improve overall security by handling edge cases.

5. Include instructions for testing Provide clear guidelines on how to test the changes. Example:

   To test this feature, pull the branch, run the backend server, and navigate to /login. Enter valid and invalid credentials to verify that the validation works as expected.

6. Add any relevant context or references Mention related issues, documentation, or design documents. This ensures that reviewers can easily access additional context if needed. Example:

   See issue #123 for background information and design decisions.

Leveraging AI for pull request documentation

Writing detailed PR descriptions can be time-consuming, especially when you need to ensure that every detail is covered. Graphite offers a solution by automatically generating clear and detailed PR descriptions from your code changes. Here’s how Graphite can help:

• Automated insights: Graphite uses codebase-aware AI to analyze your pull requests and suggest comprehensive descriptions, saving you time.
• Consistent style: By integrating tools such as Graphite, you can maintain a consistent documentation style across your team.
• Quick documentation: With Graphite, you get immediate, actionable feedback that helps you write effective pull request summaries without the usual hassle.
• Code review optimization: By automating parts of the description process, Graphite allows your human reviewers to focus on higher-level concerns.

Additional tips and best practices

• Review and update: Even if you use AI to generate your PR descriptions, always review the output to ensure accuracy and clarity.
• Keep it focused: Avoid including unrelated changes in a single pull request. This makes it easier for reviewers to follow your changes.
• Use templates: Develop a team template for pull request descriptions to ensure consistency and that important details aren’t overlooked.
• Incorporate feedback: Adjust your documentation style based on reviewer feedback to continuously improve your PR documentation process.

Conclusion

Effective pull request documentation is a key component of successful code reviews. By following these steps and utilizing tools like Graphite to automate and enhance your process, you can quickly write clear pull request descriptions that improve communication, enforce best practices, and ultimately lead to better code quality.