In the context of software development, a file, branch, or set of changes is considered 'non-mergeable' when it cannot be combined automatically with another version without introducing conflicts or data corruption. This typically occurs when two or more developers have independently modified the same section of code or data in incompatible ways. It implies a need for manual intervention, conflict resolution, or refactoring to successfully integrate the changes. The term highlights an impediment to seamless integration processes and version control.
Non-mergeable meaning with examples
- The `feature-branch` was deemed non-mergeable with the `develop` branch after months of independent development, requiring a significant time investment to resolve the numerous code conflicts arising from overlapping changes. This delayed the project's release.
- Due to the radical changes implemented in the refactored code, the old and new versions became non-mergeable. Manual comparisons and adjustments were needed to incorporate new features seamlessly while preserving the existing functionality.
- The database schema changes from the testing environment were flagged as non-mergeable with the production database updates, because incompatible data types caused clashes. The data structure had to be streamlined before merging.
- Trying to apply the local changes, was non-mergeable, caused because two different developers changed the same line, so that the files would need to be reconciled manually before it can be committed to the main branch.
- After significant code changes, the two branches became non-mergeable. The team had to sit down together and manually review, resolve conflicting parts, and refactor the code, causing a work-in-progress delay.