Skip to main content

require-gitlab-merge-request-template-file

Require at least one GitLab merge request template.

Targeted pattern scope​

This rule checks .gitlab/merge_request_templates/ for at least one Markdown file.

Accepted files must match:

  • .gitlab/merge_request_templates/*.md

What this rule reports​

This rule reports repositories that enable GitLab-oriented presets without any merge request template files.

Why this rule exists​

Merge request templates standardize the context reviewers need before they can approve or safely deploy a change.

That usually means better rollout notes, clearer testing evidence, and fewer review cycles spent pulling basic context out of authors.

❌ Incorrect​

// Repository files
// .
// ├── .gitlab-ci.yml
// ├── README.md
// └── .gitlab/
//     └── issue_templates/
//
// Missing: .gitlab/merge_request_templates/*.md

✅ Correct​

// Repository files
// .
// └── .gitlab/
//     └── merge_request_templates/
//         └── default.md

ESLint flat config example​

import repoPlugin from "eslint-plugin-repo";

export default [
  repoPlugin.configs.gitlab,
  {
    plugins: { "repo-compliance": repoPlugin },
    rules: {
      "repo-compliance/require-gitlab-merge-request-template-file": "error",
    },
  },
];

When not to use it​

Disable this rule only if your GitLab workflow intentionally avoids merge request templates or uses a different review intake system.

Rule catalog ID: R014

Further reading​