Managing multiple issues with a pull request in GitHub

When working with GitHub, managing issues and pull requests (PRs) is useful for maintaining a clean and effective development workflow. One common practice is to close multiple related issues using a single pull request. This guide explains how to link a pull request to multiple issues to close them automatically upon merging, leveraging GitHub's features and the Graphite PR inbox for enhanced PR management.

Managing multiple issues with a single pull request

Linking issues to a pull request

To link multiple issues to a pull request in GitHub, you can use special keywords in your PR description or in the comments of the PR. These keywords include "closes", "fixes", or "resolves". Each keyword must be followed by the issue number prefixed with a "#". Here's how to do it:

1. Open a pull request.
2. In the PR description or in a PR comment, include phrases like:
   • Closes #123
   • Fixes #124, resolves #125
   • Each issue number will be automatically linked to the PR.

Using these keywords, GitHub understands that the linked issues should be closed once the pull request is merged, streamlining the process and ensuring that all related issues are resolved together.

Example of closing multiple issues

Consider you're working on a feature that addresses several bugs and enhancements. Here’s an example comment you might include in your PR:

This pull request makes the following changes:
- Closes #101 by updating the login functionality
- Fixes #102 by fixing the email notification bug
- Resolves #103 by adding a new reset password feature

Using Graphite PR inbox for enhanced management

The Graphite PR inbox acts like an email client for your pull requests, allowing you to stay organized and view which PRs need your attention. You can configure the inbox to display PRs from selected repositories, making it easier to manage PRs that close multiple issues. Here's how you can use the Graphite PR inbox:

• Custom sections: Create custom inbox sections with filters that show PRs linked to multiple issues.
• Share filters: Share your custom filter settings with teammates for consistent views across your team.
• Search functionality: Use the integrated search to quickly find PRs by title, description, or linked issues.

Commenting on closed issues via a pull request

Sometimes, you might need to provide additional information on issues that are already closed. In GitHub, you can still comment on closed issues by navigating to the issue page and adding a comment directly. This is particularly useful for documenting the resolution or providing follow-up details.

Example of commenting on a closed issue

After closing an issue with a PR, you might want to update stakeholders with additional implementation details or further steps:

As of PR #104, this issue has been resolved. Please see the PR for detailed changes. If further actions are required, reopen this issue or create a new one referencing this discussion.

Summary

Managing multiple issues via a single pull request in GitHub helps consolidate related updates into a single merge. By using keywords to link issues within a PR description or comment ensures that all related tasks are closed together, you can maintain project clarity and focus. Additionally, leveraging tools like Graphite PR inbox can make your PR management more organized and accessible.