## Problem to solve Merge request [!221290](https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/merge_requests/221290) adds a new "Work Items" widget to the MR sidebar that displays related work items linked via closing patterns (like `Closes #123`) and mentioned work items. This feature needs documentation updates to help users understand how to use it. ## Further details The new widget displays work items in two categories: - **Closing**: Work items linked via closing patterns in the MR description - **Mentioned**: Work items referenced but not closing The widget is collapsible when there are more than 2 items. Users can click on items to open a work item drawer for more details. This feature helps users understand the relationship between merge requests and work items, making it easier to track which issues are being resolved by a particular MR. ## Proposal Update documentation in the following locations: 1. **Primary**: [Work items](https://docs.gitlab.com/user/work_items/) documentation - Add a section explaining how work items linked via closing patterns automatically appear in the MR sidebar widget - Explain the "Closing" vs "Mentioned" categorization - Link to the closing patterns documentation 2. **Secondary (optional)**: [Create merge requests](https://docs.gitlab.com/user/project/merge_requests/creating_merge_requests/) - Add a tip about using closing patterns to link work items, which will then display in the MR sidebar ## Who can address the issue Technical writer familiar with work items and merge request documentation. ## Other links/references - MR: [!221290 - Add related issues widget to MR](https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/merge_requests/221290) - Related documentation: [Closing issues automatically](https://docs.gitlab.com/user/project/issues/managing_issues/#closing-issues-automatically)