Issues

Last updated on 2025-03-13 | Edit this page

Overview

Questions

  • How do I specify a change that needs to be made to a file(s)?

Objectives

  • Explain why you might want to use Issues.
  • Create an Issue.
  • Explain the relationship between Issues and Branches

Issues are a feature within GitHub that enables to create a to-do list of tasks for our project. Issues can be used to specify a new feature to be created,describe an issue to be fixed or to provide feedback and share ideas.

They have a number of features that can be used to help you manage a project and can be assigned to to individuals or groups.

Creating an Issue


We can view any existing issues or create a new one via Issues on the GitHub toolbar.

GH screenshot showing Issues

There are currently no open issues, to create new Issue click on New issue.

GH screenshot showing definition of new issue

In the detail of the Issue we can specify our definition of ‘done’ for this task.

GH screenshot showing definition of new issue

We can also specify what type of task it is using the Labels, in this instance it is an Enhancement.

Once we are happy with our definition of the issue we can click on Create.

GH screenshot detail of newly opened issue

Our newly created Issue is now Open, and if appropriate we can Create a branch for the Issue.

Editing Issues

Issues are a live dialogue of the development or evolution of a task and ideas relating to your project.

They can be edited at any time, and even re-opened once closed if needed.

Dependent on need it is possible to edit both the Issue or individual comments within an Issue.

GH screenshot showing list of open issues

You can view all open issues through Issues on the GitHub toolbar. Click on an Issue to view details.

The Edit button will enable you to edit details of the Issue such as the issue name.

GH screenshot issue in edit mode

The Issue body or any comments can be edited by the the 3 dots ....

GH screenshot issue in edit mode

Create an Issue

Create a new Issue in your GitHub repository.

Can you assign yourself to the issue?

Can you create a new label?

Closing an Issue


Sometimes an issue may be created that we learn is not needed. These can be deleted via Delete issue.

However, usually we choose to Close issue. We would choose to close an issue either after a task has been completed or a discussion has come to an end.

To close an issue: - Open the issue to be closed, via Issues - Enter a comment to explain why the Issue is to be closed - Click on Close issue.

If a branch was created from the issue. The issue will automatically closed when the branch is merged.

Much more detailed information about creating and managing Issues is available via the GitHub documentation: About issues

Key Points

  • Issues can be used to plan, discuss, and track work.