9 Github features - DrAlzahraniProjects/csusb_fall2024_cse6550_team2 GitHub Wiki

  1. Pages
  2. Wiki
  3. Copilot Chat
  4. Copilot X
  5. Actions
  6. Projects
  7. Discussions
  8. Issue Tracking
  9. Pull Requests

1. GitHub Pages

GitHub Pages hosts static websites directly from your repository, ideal for documentation, portfolios, or personal sites.

Steps for Setup:

  • Navigate to Settings in your repository.
  • Scroll to the Pages section.
  • Select the branch and folder (e.g., /docs or root) for hosting.
  • Configure a custom domain with HTTPS for added security.

Use Cases:

  • Hosting project documentation and personal websites.
  • Customizing with Jekyll or Hugo for advanced themes.

Best Practices:

  • Use automated deployments to sync updates with project changes.
  • Keep sensitive information out of public documentation..
  • Set up secure, custom domains to ensure consistent and protected access.

2. Wiki

GitHub Wiki is ideal for project documentation, technical specs, and architecture diagrams.

Steps for Setup:

  • Go to the Wiki tab in your repository. Group 21
  • Use Markdown to structure and format pages for easy navigation. Group 22
https://github.com/DrAlzahraniProjects/csusb_fall2024_cse6550_team2/wiki

Common Use Cases:

  • Documenting project structures, SRS, and design frameworks.
  • Providing a centralized source of information for the team.

Best Practices:

  • Link Wiki pages to Issues and Pull Requests for streamlined access.
  • Establish a maintenance schedule to ensure documentation stays current.
  • Use hierarchical organization to improve page accessibility.

3. Copilot Chat

Copilot Chat offers AI-assisted coding support within Visual Studio Code, providing real-time suggestions, debugging, and explanations.

Steps to Activate:

  • Install the GitHub Copilot extension in Visual Studio Code. Group 24
  • Enable Copilot Chat from the extension’s settings. Group 19 (1)
  • Ask coding questions, get suggestions, or debug code using the chat window. Group 20

Use Cases:

  • Code generation and debugging.
  • Quick assistance with unfamiliar syntax or code.

Best For:

  • Manually review AI-suggested code, especially for security-sensitive tasks.
  • Leverage Copilot as a learning aid but rigorously validate any AI-generated code, especially in critical sections.
  • Adjust settings to suit team workflows and avoid reliance on AI for critical code sections.

4. Copilot X

Copilot X offers enhanced code assistance with more precise, context-aware suggestions.

How to Use It:

  • Enable Copilot X in your GitHub settings.
  • Install the extension in your code editor.
  • Copilot X will automatically provide inline suggestions while you code. Group 25

Why It’s Helpful:

  • Speeds up repetitive code generation and minimizes errors.
  • Provides intelligent, context-based support.

Best Practices:

  • Validate complex, AI-generated code manually to ensure quality.
  • Use for boilerplate code, but review thoroughly for critical sections.
  • Establish role-based permissions for different Copilot X features to suit individual needs.

5. GitHub Actions

GitHub Actions automates workflows like testing, building, and deployment triggered by repository events.

Steps for Setup:

  • Create a .github/workflows directory. Group 18
  • Define workflows in YAML, specifying triggers like push or pull requests.

Use Cases:

  • CI/CD tasks like running tests, building, or deploying.
  • Automating repetitive tasks to enhance productivity.

Best Practices:

  • Use secrets and permissions for secure workflows.
  • Optimize workflows by using caching and modular triggers.
  • Only trigger workflows for necessary events to reduce processing time and cost.

6. GitHub Projects

GitHub Projects organizes Issues and PRs in kanban-style boards to track tasks, milestones, and project status.

Setup Steps:

  • Go to the Projects tab. Group 23
  • Create a new project board and define columns like To Do, In Progress, and Done. Group 17
  • Assign tasks to each column and track their progress.

Use Cases:

  • Managing tasks, progress, and milestones.
  • Integrating Issues and PRs for streamlined project management.

Best Practices:

  • Use automation rules to move Issues automatically as tasks progress.
  • Track key metrics to monitor project health and adjust workflows as needed.,
  • Leverage labels and milestones to prioritize tasks effectively.

7. Discussions

GitHub Discussions provides a forum-like space for Q&A, brainstorming, and collaboration within the repository.

Setup Steps:

  • Go to the Discussions tab in your repository. Group 16 (2)
  • Enable Discussions and set up categories like Q&A, Announcements, or Ideas. Group 16 (3)
https://github.com/DrAlzahraniProjects/csusb_fall2024_cse6550_team2/discussions

Use Cases:

  • Community collaboration and feedback.
  • Organizing structured, ongoing conversations.

Best Practices:

  • Pin high-priority discussions for visibility.
  • Assign moderators to manage discussions and keep them aligned with project goals.
  • Use tags and categories for easy navigation and future reference.

8. Issues

GitHub Issues tracks bugs, feature requests, and to-dos, essential for project management and prioritization.

Setup Steps:

  • Navigate to the Issues tab. Group 16
  • Click on New Issue to create a task or report a bug. Group 16 (1)
  • Use labels, milestones, and assignees to manage and track the issue’s progress.
https://github.com/DrAlzahraniProjects/csusb_fall2024_cse6550_team2/issues

Use Cases:

  • Managing bugs, enhancements, and tasks.
  • Integrating with Projects and Pull Requests for holistic tracking.

Best Practices:

  • Use descriptive titles and labels for easy identification.
  • Link Issues to relevant PRs or Project tasks to track progress.
  • Close issues promptly once resolved and review completed tasks for accuracy.

9. Pull Requests

Pull Requests facilitate code review, peer feedback, and code discussion before merging.

Setup Steps:

  • Go to the Pull Requests tab in your repository. Group 15
  • Select New Pull Request and choose the branch to merge changes from. Group 15 (1)
  • Review and request feedback from peers before merging.
https://github.com/DrAlzahraniProjects/csusb_fall2024_cse6550_team2/pulls

Use Cases:

  • Code quality checks through peer review.
  • Merging tested and approved code into main branches.

Best Practices:

  • Apply branch protection rules for critical branches to enforce reviews.
  • Use PR templates for consistency and assign reviewers strategically.
  • Test locally before creating PRs to avoid unnecessary updates.
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