Efficiently Modify Target Branch in Azure DevOps Pull Requests- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Change Target Branch in Pull Request Azure DevOps

In the fast-paced world of software development, it is not uncommon to encounter situations where you need to change the target branch in a pull request on Azure DevOps. Whether it’s due to a merge conflict, a change in project requirements, or simply a mistake, modifying the target branch is a task that every developer should be familiar with. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing the target branch in a pull request on Azure DevOps, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.

Understanding the Target Branch

Before diving into the steps to change the target branch, it’s essential to understand what the target branch is. In Azure DevOps, a pull request is a request to merge changes from one branch into another branch. The branch that you want to merge into is known as the target branch. It can be the main branch, a feature branch, or any other branch that you have created.

Steps to Change Target Branch in Pull Request Azure DevOps

1. Open the Pull Request: Navigate to the Azure DevOps project where your pull request is located. Click on the pull request you want to modify and open it.

2. Edit the Pull Request: Once the pull request is open, click on the “Edit” button to modify the pull request settings.

3. Change the Target Branch: In the pull request settings, you will find the “Source branch” and “Target branch” fields. Click on the “Target branch” field and select the new branch you want to merge into.

4. Save Changes: After selecting the new target branch, click on the “Save” button to apply the changes.

5. Update the Source Branch (if necessary): If you have made any changes to the source branch after creating the pull request, you may need to update the source branch to ensure that the changes are included in the pull request. To do this, click on the “Update source branch” button and commit the changes to your source branch.

6. Rebase and Merge: If you have updated the source branch, you may need to rebase and merge the changes into the target branch. To do this, click on the “Rebase and merge” button and follow the instructions provided.

7. Review and Approve: Once the changes have been applied, review the pull request to ensure that everything is in order. If you are satisfied with the changes, you can approve the pull request, and it will be merged into the target branch.

Conclusion

Changing the target branch in a pull request on Azure DevOps is a straightforward process that can help you manage your codebase more effectively. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily modify the target branch and ensure that your pull requests are aligned with your project’s requirements. Remember to communicate with your team members when making changes to the target branch, as it may affect their work. Happy coding!