Simplified issue creation workflow while browsing repository
Problem to solve
As a contributor to a project, I want to be able to open issues referencing a line range when browsing the repository code, so that I can have an effective workflow for impromptu code reviews.
Intended users
- Sasha (Software Developer)
- Any reviewer (even casual) or external contributor to the codebase
User experience goal
The user should be able to quickly open a new issue related to one or more lines of existing, committed code.
Proposal
The user story instead goes like this:
- A bored developer goes through the code repository at their leisure to learn how it works.
- They find an issue with the code, possibly something that requires further discussion.
- They highlight the relevant section in the checked in file.
- They click on a button to create a new issue based on their selection.
- The screen to create a new issue opens, and they can add further comments.
- Optionally: A dummy, "WIP" merge request is also created on a branch with the issue number, so that further work can proceed on that branch.
Further details
Right now, you need to open an issue (which has no direct way to link to a code range) or use the Web IDE to create a dummy merge request to start a formal code review, which is annoying and an entry barrier for new contributors.
Also, this is a great way to quickly build "to do" lists for developers, and schedule refactorings. Issues have the benefit of time tracking and sprint planning.