Background
Back in 2018, we released our first ever plugin for GitHub that allows you to synchronize project issues between projects in Spira and those in GitHub. With this plug-in, users can easily see new issues created in GitHub right inside the Spira defect management system (and vice-versa). Comments, releases (milestones), and statuses will automatically sync, so users don't have to worry about managing two separate systems.
Then, in 2022, we added support for invoking and viewing GitHub actions right from the Spira user interface using our new GitHub SpiraApp. This new integration with GitHub actions allows users to execute a GitHub pipeline directly from the Spira user interface. In addition, the GitHub pipelines may be automatically triggered by source code commits or other events from within GitHub itself. Whenever a GitHub pipeline executes (either from Spira or via normal source code commit events), the new GitHub pipeline event will be recorded in Spira as a new build.
New Functionality
We have now further enhanced the GitHub data synchronization plugin to handle the synchronization of pull requests as well as issues. The benefit of this integration is to allow teams to use the branch management and permission features in GitHub and still have the traceability in Spira of the pull requests and code merges from a compliance and validation perspective. For example, you will often use different tools (GitHub, TaraVault, GitLab, etc.) to manage the source code and associated branch merges, but inside Spira, you need to be able to provide evidence that the appropriate code reviews were done and track all the comments on the code changes prior to merge approval. Spira lets you have this global view regardless of the developer platforms being used.
To simplify this process, the new functionality will let you create the pull requests in GitHub, and as changes are made to the pull request, they will be reflected automatically in the corresponding Spira pull request. The synchronization will automatically add comments, change the pull request status, and notify the appropriate owners.
You can see all of the GitHub code review comments in a nice discussion thread in Spira:
In summary, our latest update supercharges Spira's existing GitHub integration capabilities by adding the essential functionality of pull request synchronization. You no longer have to toggle between GitHub and Spira for a 360-degree view of your project. Whether you're operating in healthcare, finance, government, or any other regulated industry, this added feature enhances code traceability and streamlines compliance requirements, making your workflow seamless and more efficient.
Ready to experience this next level of synchronization?
Upgrade your SpiraPlan or SpiraTeam today and start benefiting from enhanced traceability and efficient pull request management. This is not just an update; it's a transformation of how you manage your projects.
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