Pull Request vs. Merge Request: Understanding the Distinctions for Optimal GitHub and GitLab Usage

This article discusses the differences between Pull Requests (PRs) in GitHub and Merge Requests (MRs) in GitLab. Both are mechanisms for proposing and merging changes to a codebase, allowing developers to request the merging of a branch containing their changes into a target branch. The main difference is in terms of naming: In GitHub, you open a pull request on a target branch, while in GitLab, you open a merge request on a base branch. Other differences include features such as extended API and webhooks for integrations, auto review request feature, ability to deploy your own instance, and pricing plans. The article also provides detailed steps on how to open, review, and finalize both PRs and MRs in their respective platforms.