| name | gitlab-workflow |
| description | Runs repository development through GitLab issues and merge requests—assign @me when starting work, small commits with issue references, push, and MRs that close or reference issues. Use when starting or finishing tracked work, when creating follow-up tasks, or when the user mentions issues, MRs, backlog, or GitLab workflow. |
GitLab workflow
When this applies
Use this skill for implementation work in this repository when work should align with GitLab tracking—not for one-off local experiments unless the user opts out.
Source of work
- GitLab issues are the backlog. Prefer working from an open issue over treating chat as the only spec. Use the project issue list (labels, milestones, blocked by / related issue links) to see dependencies and priority.
- Follow the target repository's
AGENTS.md or equivalent local instructions when present; this skill only defines the GitLab workflow around that repository-specific policy.
Creating issues
- If you find a bug, missing test, or follow-up that is not already tracked, create an issue with
glab issue create and a clear title and scope.
- Bug reports: apply the
bug label so they can be filtered. Example: glab issue create -t "…" -d "…" -l bug, or add the label afterward with glab issue update <iid> -l bug.
- Prefer one focused issue per coherent change; split large work with GitLab related issues / blocking links when useful.
- For
glab syntax, flags, and CI helpers (glab ci lint, glab mr list, etc.), use .agents/skills/glab/SKILL.md.
Starting work on an issue
- When you start work on an issue, assign it to the current user immediately, for example:
glab issue update <iid> -a @me (or -a yourusername from glab auth status if @me is not accepted).
- To add an assignee without replacing existing ones, prefix with
+ per glab issue update --help (e.g. -a +@me).
- Skip this only if the user explicitly works without
glab auth or the issue is read-only for some reason.
Branches and commits
- Use a branch named for the work, e.g.
feat/short-topic or fix/issue-12-description.
- Commit often in small logical steps.
- For message shape (Conventional Commits subject), follow .agents/skills/commit/SKILL.md.
- Always tie commits to the issue when there is one:
- Preferred: include the number in the subject, e.g.
feat(db): add events migration (#12).
- In the merge request description, use GitLab keywords so issues link or close when the MR merges:
Closes #12, Fixes #12, or Resolves #12 to close; Related to #12 to link without closing. GitLab also scans merge commit messages for the same keywords.
If the commit skill’s “no footers” guidance conflicts with linking, prefer issue linkage: use (#N) in the subject, or the appropriate closing/linking line in the MR description.
Push
- Push the branch to GitLab when a slice of work is complete or when stopping for a handoff—do not leave completed work only on a local machine unless the user asked.
Merge request
- Open a merge request when the branch is ready for review or merge:
glab mr create (interactive), or non-interactive example: glab mr create -t "…" -d "Closes #12" -y.
- In the MR description, link the issue with
Closes #12, Fixes #12, Resolves #12, or Related to #12 so GitLab can close or link the work when the MR merges.
- You can also create an MR from an issue:
glab mr create --related-issue <iid> (see glab mr create --help).
- Summarize what changed and how to verify (tests run, manual checks). Use
glab ci status or glab pipeline ci view to confirm pipeline results.
Quick checklist
