How to effectively manage your Azure repositories and avoid common pitfalls.

In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for managing repositories in Azure, including how to create and configure a repository, work with branches and tags, and use pull requests and code re …


Updated September 15, 2023

In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for managing repositories in Azure, including how to create and configure a repository, work with branches and tags, and use pull requests and code reviews to improve collaboration and quality.

Creating and Configuring a Repository

Before you can start working on your project, you’ll need to create a new repository in Azure DevOps. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Log in to your Azure DevOps organization and navigate to the project where you want to create the repository.
  2. Click on “Repos” under the “Code” tab in the left-hand menu.
  3. Click the “New repository” button.
  4. Enter a name for your repository and select the type of repository you want to create (e.g., Git or TFVC).
  5. Optionally, you can add a description and set up branch policies.
  6. Click “Create” to create the repository.

Working with Branches and Tags

Once you have your repository set up, it’s important to manage branches and tags effectively to keep your code organized and maintainable. Here are some best practices to follow:

  1. Use branches for new features or bug fixes, and merge them into the main branch when they’re ready. This allows you to work on multiple features independently without affecting the main branch.
  2. Use tags to mark important milestones in your repository’s history, such as releases or significant changes.
  3. Keep your branches up-to-date by rebasing them regularly. This ensures that your code is always based on the latest version of the main branch.
  4. Avoid using long-lived branches, as they can lead to merge conflicts and make it difficult to keep track of changes. Instead, use short-lived branches for specific features or fixes, and delete them when you’re done.

Pull Requests and Code Reviews

Pull requests are an essential part of the Git workflow in Azure DevOps, as they allow you to collaborate with your team members and ensure that all changes are reviewed and approved before they’re merged into the main branch. Here are some best practices for working with pull requests and code reviews:

  1. Use pull requests to request feedback on your changes before merging them into the main branch. This allows you to catch any potential issues or concerns early on, and ensure that all changes meet the project’s quality standards.
  2. Assign reviewers to your pull requests, and make sure they understand what’s being changed and why. This will help ensure that your code is reviewed thoroughly and that any issues are caught before they become problems.
  3. Use Azure DevOps' built-in code review tools, such as the “Review” tab in the pull request view, to leave comments on specific lines of code and track changes over time.
  4. Avoid making large changes or adding new features in a single commit. Instead, break up larger changes into smaller, more manageable commits that can be reviewed individually. This will make it easier for your team members to understand what’s being changed and why.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored the best practices for managing repositories in Azure DevOps, including how to create and configure a repository, work with branches and tags, and use pull requests and code reviews to improve collaboration and quality. By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your projects are well-organized, maintainable, and easy to collaborate on with your team members.