Open-source projects handle forks and merges as a fundamental part of their development flow. A "fork" occurs when a developer creates a copy of a project’s code repository to make changes independently. This allows developers to experiment, introduce new features, or fix bugs without affecting the original project until they are ready to contribute back. Forking is especially common on platforms like GitHub, where anyone can fork a repository with a single click. This process encourages innovation and collaboration, as it allows multiple developers to work in parallel on different aspects of a project.
Once changes are made in a fork, the developer typically creates a "pull request" (PR) to propose merging their changes back into the original project. In the PR, the developer provides a description of their changes and why they believe those changes should be included. The maintainers of the original project review the pull request, which often involves discussion among team members. They may request changes, ask for clarifications, or provide feedback before deciding whether to accept or reject the contribution. This way, project maintainers can ensure that any additions or modifications align with the project's goals and standards.
Open-source projects also implement specific guidelines to manage forks and merges efficiently. For example, many projects have a CONTRIBUTING.md file that outlines how to contribute properly, including code style, submission processes, and testing requirements. By having clear guidelines, projects minimize disputes and maintain a consistent codebase. Additionally, using tools like continuous integration (CI) systems helps automate testing of pull requests, ensuring that new code does not introduce errors or break existing functionality. These practices foster a collaborative environment where developers can contribute effectively while maintaining quality in the shared codebase.