How to Delete a Pull Request in GitHub?

GitHub pull requests are a vital tool for collaborative software development. They allow developers to propose changes, review code, and merge contributions into a project.

However, there may be situations where a pull request (PR) needs to be deleted. Whether it’s created by mistake or no longer required, this post will show you how to handle such scenarios.

Can You Delete a Pull Request on GitHub?

Unfortunately, GitHub does not provide a direct option to delete a pull request. However, you can achieve the same result by closing the pull request and optionally deleting the associated branch. Closing a pull request signals that it is no longer active or needed, and deleting the branch removes the source of the proposed changes.

Steps to Handle a Pull Request You Want to Remove

1. Identify the Pull Request

Log in to your GitHub account and navigate to the repository where the pull request resides.

1. Go to the Pull requests tab of the repository.
2. Locate the pull request you want to remove.

2. Close the Pull Request

1. Open the pull request.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page.
3. Click the Close pull request button.
   • This action moves the pull request to the “Closed” state, effectively removing it from the active list.
   • Optionally, add a comment to explain why it’s being closed, especially if it’s a public repository.

3. Delete the Associated Branch (Optional)

If the pull request is linked to a branch that is no longer needed, consider deleting it to avoid clutter:

1. Go back to the repository’s Code tab.
2. Click the Branches button.
3. Locate the branch associated with the pull request.
4. Click the trash can icon next to the branch name to delete it.

Note: You cannot delete protected branches. Ensure the branch isn’t protected or being used for other purposes before deleting it.

Best Practices for Managing Pull Requests

1. Double-Check Before Opening a PR
   Review your changes thoroughly to ensure the pull request is necessary and correctly targeted.
2. Use Descriptive Titles and Comments
   Provide clear titles and comments to make the purpose of the PR evident. This avoids confusion and unnecessary PR closures.
3. Communicate with Collaborators
   If you’re part of a team, inform collaborators before closing or removing a pull request, especially if it involves shared work.
4. Clean Up After Closing
   Regularly review and delete obsolete branches to keep your repository organized.

Common Scenarios for Removing Pull Requests

• Created a Pull Request by Mistake: Close it and explain the mistake in the comments.
• Outdated or Redundant Code: Close the PR and provide details about why it is no longer needed.
• Merged Elsewhere: Close the PR and link to the alternative PR or branch where the changes were incorporated.

What Happens After Closing a Pull Request?

• The pull request moves to the Closed section, where it remains accessible for historical purposes.
• The associated branch remains unless explicitly deleted.
• Review comments and discussions in the pull request are preserved.

Conclusion

While GitHub does not allow you to delete a pull request outright, you can effectively “remove” it by closing it and optionally deleting the associated branch. This approach helps maintain a clean and organized repository while preserving the historical context of the pull request.

Use the steps and best practices outlined in this guide to manage pull requests responsibly, ensuring smooth collaboration and a clutter-free GitHub experience.