github-pr-writer

Write clear, structured GitHub pull request descriptions using a standardized template. Use when creating a PR, updating a PR description, or when asked to document what a branch changes. Automatically fills in summary, type of change, description of changes, impact, and testing notes based on the diff or context provided. Triggers on phrases like "create a PR", "write the PR description", "open a pull request", "update the PR body", "document this PR", or when a branch is ready to merge.

GitHub PR Writer

Generates structured, thorough PR descriptions using a consistent template.

Template

See assets/pull_request_template.md for the full template to copy into your repo's .github/pull_request_template.md.

How to Fill It

When writing a PR description, gather context first:

# See what changed vs base branch
git diff main --stat

# See commit messages
git log --oneline main..HEAD

# See full diff (for smaller PRs)
git diff main

Then fill in each section:

Summary

One or two sentences. What does this PR do and why? Link the issue if there is one.

Closes #123
Adds user authentication via Devise with email confirmation.

Type of Change

Check exactly one (or two if truly applicable). Be honest — don't check "safe" if there are breaking changes.

Implements / Fixes

Link issues or describe the specific feature/bug this addresses. Be specific enough that a reviewer knows what to look for.

Description of Changes

Bullet points — what actually changed in the code:

  • New files created
  • Existing files modified and why
  • Anything removed
  • Config changes
  • Database migrations

Group related changes together. Lead with the most important change.

Impact

Honest assessment. If you changed a shared concern, a base class, or anything that touches many parts of the app — flag it.

Testing Notes

Tell the reviewer how to verify the changes work:

  • What specs were added/changed
  • Manual QA steps if needed
  • Edge cases that were considered
  • Anything that was intentionally NOT tested and why

Rules

  • Fill every section — empty sections signal an incomplete review
  • Check appropriate checkboxes — don't leave all unchecked
  • Be specific in Description — "Updated stuff" is not useful
  • Be honest about Impact — reviewers need to know what to watch for
  • Never merge — PRs are for review; the author or maintainer merges