Pipeline Editor only works with default branch name
Problem to solve
Scenario
- I have a
mainbranch as my default and anotherpipelinebranch where I want to make changes to the pipeline file and safely experiment.
Further details
Problems
- When opening the Pipeline Editor I can only see the CI/pipeline file for the default branch (e.g.,
main); I cannot use the editor to work on a pipeline file in another branch. - Entering in a different, existing branch name and trying to commit gives the error:
The GitLab CI configuration could not be updated. A branch called 'pipeline' already exists. Switch to that branch in order to make changes
- There seems to be no way to "Switch to that branch".
- Documentation page -- https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/ci/pipeline_editor/#commit-changes-to-ci-configuration -- says:
The commit form appears at the bottom of each tab in the editor so you can commit your changes at any time. When you are satisfied with your changes, add a descriptive commit message and enter a branch. The branch field defaults to your project’s default branch.
- No mention that you cannot enter an existing branch name.
- No mention that you can only open/edit the default branch's pipeline file
Proposal
- Provide a way for the user to switch between branches on the Pipeline Editor page
- OR update both documentation and error message to make it clear that you can only enter in your default branch (e.g.,
main; whatever is prepopulated) or a new branch name -- not an existing branch name.
Who can address the issue
- Developers and/or technical writers
Designs
Relates to
- #32165514.0
