Azure DevOps Repos

Introduction to Azure Repos

Azure Repos is a set of version control services that you can use to manage your code. Whether you're coordinating work with a team or managing complex project histories, Azure Repos provides the tools you need.

Azure Repos supports two main version control systems:

• Git: A distributed version control system that is the industry standard for source code management.
• Team Foundation Version Control (TFVC): A centralized version control system.

This documentation focuses primarily on Git, as it's the most widely adopted system. You can also find specific guides for TFVC if needed.

Git Basics

Understanding Git is fundamental to using Azure Repos effectively. Here are some core concepts:

• Repository (Repo): A project's file system, where all your code, history, and related files are stored.
• Commit: A snapshot of your repository at a specific point in time. Each commit has a unique identifier and a message describing the changes.
• Branch: An independent line of development. Branches allow you to work on new features or bug fixes without affecting the main codebase.
• Merge: The process of combining changes from one branch into another.
• Remote: A connection to a repository hosted on another server, such as Azure Repos.

Common Git commands you'll use frequently include:

git clone <repository_url>
git add .
git commit -m "Your commit message"
git push origin <branch_name>
git pull origin <branch_name>
git checkout -b <new_branch_name>
git merge <branch_to_merge>

Managing Repositories

Azure Repos allows you to create, manage, and configure your Git repositories. You can:

• Create a New Repository: Start a new project from scratch or import an existing one.
• Import a Repository: Migrate code from other Git hosting services.
• Manage Permissions: Control who can view, contribute to, and administer your repositories.
• Set Up Hooks: Automate actions based on Git events.

Branching Policies

Branch policies are rules you can set on branches to protect your codebase. They ensure that code is reviewed, tested, and meets certain quality standards before being merged.

Key branch policies include:

• Require a minimum number of reviewers: Enforce peer review before merging.
• Check for linked work items: Ensure changes are associated with a work item.
• Check for comment resolution: Require that all comments in a pull request are resolved.
• Require successful builds: Ensure that the build pipeline passes before merging.

These policies are crucial for maintaining code quality and stability, especially in team environments.

Pull Requests

Pull Requests (PRs) are the primary mechanism for code review and merging changes in Azure Repos. They provide a structured way to discuss and approve code modifications.

When you create a pull request:

• You specify the source branch (changes you want to merge) and the target branch (where you want to merge into).
• Team members can review the code, add comments, suggest changes, and approve or reject the PR.
• Branch policies are evaluated to ensure compliance.

Effective use of pull requests fosters collaboration and improves code quality.

Code Reviews with Pull Requests

Code reviews are a critical part of the development process. Azure Repos' pull request interface facilitates thorough code reviews.

Best Practices for Code Reviews:

• Be Constructive: Focus on improving the code, not criticizing the author.
• Be Specific: Clearly state your suggestions and provide context.
• Review Small Changes: Smaller PRs are easier and faster to review.
• Check for Logic Errors: Look for potential bugs or incorrect logic.
• Ensure Adherence to Standards: Verify code style and best practices.

Integrations

Azure Repos integrates seamlessly with other Azure DevOps services and third-party tools:

• Azure Pipelines: Trigger builds and deployments automatically when code changes.
• Azure Boards: Link commits and pull requests to work items for traceability.
• IDEs: Connect directly from Visual Studio, VS Code, and other IDEs.
• CI/CD Tools: Integrate with Jenkins, SonarQube, and more.

Advanced Features

Explore more advanced functionalities to enhance your workflow: