PR vs MR vs push vs commit: the Git vocabulary, plain
A commit is one saved change. A push sends commits to the shared repository. A pull request (GitHub) or merge request (GitLab) asks reviewers to merge your branch - same idea, different name. The PR is the unit of code review.
What is a pull request vs a merge request?
The same thing on different platforms. GitHub calls it a pull request (PR); GitLab calls it a merge request (MR). Both mean: here is my branch, review the changes, and merge them into the main branch if they look good. GitLab's name describes what happens at the end (merge); GitHub's describes what the maintainer does (pull). Most teams on either platform just say PR.
What is a pull request vs a push?
A push transfers your commits to the remote repository. A pull request asks reviewers to merge a pushed branch. You push first, then open the PR. Pushing to a feature branch notifies nobody - opening the PR is what starts the review.
What is a pull request vs a commit?
A commit is one saved snapshot of changes. A pull request bundles one or more commits into a single reviewable unit with a description, a diff, CI status, and a review thread. Reviewers review the PR, not each commit.
What is the purpose of a pull request?
Code review before code lands: a second set of eyes, automated checks with CI results posted in the PR, and a permanent discussion record. It is also where teams coordinate the review itself - who reviews, whether it is ready, and whether the pipeline passes.
Is it better to fork or clone?
Cloning gives you a local copy of a repository you can push to - your own repo, or one where you have write access. Forking creates your own server-side copy for when you cannot push to the original. Rule of thumb: clone your own or your team's repos; fork when contributing to someone else's project, then clone your fork.
How do teams keep PR reviews from stalling?
Cut the notification noise so reviewers actually see what needs them. HotBot sends one filtered daily digest of open PRs to Slack or Discord, shows live PR status, and escalates PRs that sit without review. Free tier available.