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How GitLab Merge Request Coaches can help you

Welcome, GitLab contributor! As you work on your contributions, Merge Request (MR) Coaches are here to help you succeed. This guide explains how we can support you throughout your contribution journey.

What is a Merge Request Coach?

MR Coaches are GitLab team members with a special interest in helping community contributors like you get their changes merged into GitLab. Think of us as your guides and advocates in the contribution process.

How we can help you

Getting started

  • We can help you understand GitLab contribution requirements
  • We can provide hints and guidance if you're new to Ruby, JavaScript, Go, or programming

During development

  • We can review your merge requests and provide constructive feedback
  • We can help you understand and resolve CI pipeline issues

Code review process

  • We can help find the right reviewers for your contribution
  • We can help you understand and address code review feedback
  • We can provide technical guidance on implementing requested changes

If you're stuck

Don't hesitate to ask for help if:

  • You're unsure how to implement something
  • The CI pipeline is failing
  • You don't understand review feedback
  • You need help with Git or the development process

Where to find us

You can reach MR Coaches by commenting @gitlab-bot help on your merge request or issue

What we look for in contributions

To help your MR succeed, we check for:

Tips for working with MR Coaches

  1. Be Responsive: Even a quick update helps us help you
  2. Ask Questions Early: We'd rather help prevent issues than fix them later
  3. Share Your Constraints: Let us know if you have limited time or specific challenges
  4. Be Open to Feedback: We aim to help your code meet GitLab quality standards

Remember: No question is "stupid". We're here to help you succeed. Your contributions make GitLab better, and we appreciate your efforts to improve the product and grow your skills.