MergeGuard

Smart, policy-driven pull request automation for GitHub

MergeGuard is a GitHub pull request policy engine that evaluates pull request context and determines the exact approvals and checks required before merges.

MergeGuard adds a flexible policy layer on top of GitHub pull requests, enabling conditional approvals, context-aware required checks, and intelligent merge automation—all configured through a single YAML file in your repository.

Quick Links

What MergeGuard Does

• ✅ Conditional Approvals - Require different reviewers based on files changed, PR size, labels, and more
• ✅ Context-Aware Checks - Only run expensive CI when needed, saving time and money
• ✅ Auto-Approval & Auto-Merge - Automate trusted updates (e.g., Dependabot patches)
• ✅ PR Dependencies - Enforce merge order for stacked or dependent PRs
• ✅ Priority-Based Rules - Multiple rules can match; priority decides which applies
• ✅ GitHub-Native - Works seamlessly with GitHub Checks, no external dependencies

Single PR Merge Readiness

MergeGuard provides clear visibility into merge readiness through GitHub Check Runs. Every pull request gets a dedicated check that shows:

• ✅ Which rules matched and are being enforced
• 📋 Required approvals and current status
• 🔍 Required checks that must pass
• 🚀 Whether auto-approval or auto-merge is configured
• ⏸️ PR dependencies blocking merge (if any)

The check updates in real-time as approvals are added, checks complete, or PR content changes—giving your team instant feedback on what’s needed to merge.

Example Configuration

rules:
  - name: "Small changes"
    if:
      maxLocChanged: 10
      excludePaths: ["infra/**"]
    require:
      approvals: 1
    action:
      autoApprove: true

  - name: "Infrastructure changes"
    if:
      paths: ["infra/**"]
    require:
      approvals: 2
      teams: ["platform-team"]
      checks:
        - "terraform-validate"
        - "security-scan"

Ready to Get Started?

Install MergeGuard on your GitHub repository and add a .github/mergeguard.yml file.

Need help? Check out the Quickstart Guide or browse the Features.