Automated Issue Template & Automation Implementation Guide

Hey guys! Let's dive into how to implement an automated suggestion for issue #3704, focusing on templates and automation within a single pull request (PR). This is super important for streamlining our workflow and making sure we're all on the same page. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth implementation process. So, grab your favorite coding beverage, and let's get started!

Next Steps: Template + Automation in a Single PR

Our main goal here is to implement the template and automation in a single PR. This approach helps keep our changes organized and makes it easier to review and merge. We'll be focusing on creating a checklist within the issue template and setting up automation rules to manage new feature requests efficiently. Think of it as building a well-oiled machine – each part working seamlessly together. We want to make sure that every feature request is handled consistently and that nothing slips through the cracks. This not only helps us stay organized but also ensures that we're providing the best possible experience for our users.

1. Create a Branch

First things first, let's create a branch. A good naming convention helps keep things organized, so we'll use something like feat/issue-template-checklist. Branches are like parallel universes for our code, allowing us to work on new features or fixes without messing with the main codebase. It's like having a sandbox where you can play around without breaking anything. This is crucial for maintaining the stability of our project. We want to make sure that any changes we make are thoroughly tested and reviewed before they're merged into the main branch. This process helps us catch potential issues early and ensures that our codebase remains clean and functional.

2. Add/Modify the Issue Template

Next up, we need to add or modify the issue template. We'll be working with the feature_request.md file located in the .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/ directory. This is where we'll add our four-step checklist. Think of this checklist as a mini-roadmap for each feature request, ensuring that all necessary steps are considered. A well-structured checklist can significantly improve the clarity and quality of feature requests. It helps ensure that all the necessary information is included, making it easier for the team to understand and address the request. This, in turn, speeds up the development process and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings or missed steps.

3. Commit the Change

Once we've added the checklist, it's time to commit the change. A clear and descriptive commit message is essential – something like “Add checklist to feature-request template” works perfectly. Commit messages are like little notes to our future selves (and our teammates!), explaining what changes were made and why. They're a crucial part of maintaining a healthy and understandable codebase. A good commit message helps others understand the context and purpose of your changes, making it easier to review and collaborate. It also makes it easier to track down specific changes later on if needed. So, take a moment to write a clear and concise message – it'll pay off in the long run.

4. Automation Configuration

Now, let's dive into automation configuration within the Dekkh Roadmap project settings. We'll head over to Automation and add a new rule. This is where the magic happens! We want to automate the process of adding issues to the backlog and applying labels based on the template used. Automation is a game-changer because it reduces manual effort and ensures consistency. It's like having a robot assistant that takes care of repetitive tasks, freeing up our time to focus on more important things. By automating these processes, we can significantly improve our efficiency and reduce the risk of human error.

Trigger

Our trigger will be When an issue is opened with the “feature request” template. This means that whenever someone creates a new issue using our feature request template, the automation rule will kick in. Triggers are the events that start the automation process. They're like the starting gun in a race – when the trigger is pulled, the automation sequence begins. By setting the trigger to the creation of a feature request issue, we ensure that our automation rule is applied consistently and automatically.

Action

The action we'll set is to Add the issue to the “Backlog” column and apply the label feature-request (or any label you use). This action automatically categorizes and labels the issue, making it easier to track and manage. Actions are the steps that are performed when the trigger is activated. They're the heart of the automation process, carrying out the tasks we've defined. By adding the issue to the backlog and applying a label, we ensure that it's properly categorized and visible to the team. This helps us prioritize and manage feature requests effectively.

5. Push the Branch and Open the PR

With the automation configured, it's time to push the branch and open the PR. This makes our changes visible to the team and initiates the review process. A pull request is like a formal invitation to review your code. It's a request to merge your changes into the main codebase, but it also provides an opportunity for others to review and provide feedback. This is a crucial step in ensuring the quality and correctness of our code. By opening a PR, we invite our teammates to collaborate and help us catch any potential issues before they make their way into the main branch.

6. Verify the Workflow After Merge

Once the PR is merged, the final step is to verify the workflow. We'll do this by opening a new feature-request issue. The checklist should appear automatically, and the issue should be added to the project per the rule. Verification is the final check to ensure that everything is working as expected. It's like a quality control step that helps us catch any lingering issues or unexpected behavior. By opening a new feature request issue and confirming that the checklist appears and the automation rules are applied, we can be confident that our implementation is successful.

Handling Template Filtering in Automation UI

If the automation UI doesn’t let you filter by template, use a label (e.g., template:feature-request) added by the template’s front-matter and trigger on that label instead.

Sometimes, the automation UI might not allow direct filtering by template. In such cases, we can use a workaround by adding a label in the template’s front-matter (e.g., template:feature-request). Then, we can trigger the automation rule based on this label. This is a clever way to overcome limitations in the UI and still achieve the desired automation. It's like finding a hidden pathway to reach your destination. By using labels in the front-matter, we can create custom triggers that suit our needs, even if the UI doesn't provide direct support for template filtering.

Conclusion

Alright, guys! We've covered all the steps to implement an automated suggestion for issue #3704, focusing on templates and automation in a single PR. By following this guide, you'll be able to streamline your workflow, improve consistency, and make feature request management a breeze. Remember, automation is all about making our lives easier and more efficient. So, embrace it and watch your productivity soar!

For more information on issue templates and automation, check out the GitHub documentation. Happy coding! 🚀