Learn how to manage your work with GitHub Project boards

Learn how to manage your work with GitHub Project boards

GitHub Project Boards are a flexible and visual way to manage your work and track progress using Kanban-style workflows. They allow you to organize tasks, track issues, pull requests, and monitor project progress across repositories or for individual contributors.

1. Overview of GitHub Project Boards

Key Features:

1. Kanban Workflow: Boards with customizable columns (e.g., "To Do", "In Progress", "Done").

2. Integration with Issues and PRs: Directly link GitHub Issues and Pull Requests to project boards.

3. Automation: Automatically update the status of items based on events like issue closure or PR merge.

4. Custom Fields: Add metadata (e.g., priority, deadlines) to items for enhanced tracking.

2. Creating a Project Board

1. Navigate to Projects:

   • Go to your GitHub repository, organization, or personal profile.

   • Click the Projects tab.

2. Create a New Board:

   • Click New Project.

   • Provide a Project Name and optional Description.

   • Choose the Board Layout for a Kanban-style view.

3. Add Columns:

   • Default columns include To Do, In Progress, and Done.

   • Add custom columns by clicking + Add Column.

3. Adding Work Items

You can add issues, pull requests, or notes to a project board.

Adding Issues or Pull Requests:

1. Open the project board.

2. Click Add Cards.

3. Search for existing issues or pull requests from the linked repository.

4. Drag and drop them into the appropriate column.

Creating New Items:

1. In the project board, click + Add Note.

2. Type a task or idea, and optionally convert it to an issue later by selecting the note and clicking Convert to Issue.

4. Automating Workflows

GitHub Project Boards support automation to reduce manual effort.

Setting Up Automation:

1. Open your project board and go to Settings.

2. Select Automation.

3. Choose predefined rules:

   • Move to Done: Automatically moves issues or PRs to "Done" when they are closed or merged.

   • Move to In Progress: Moves items to "In Progress" when assigned or when a pull request is linked.

Custom Automation:

Use GitHub Actions to create custom workflows for project boards (e.g., moving cards based on labels or milestones).

5. Tracking Progress

GitHub Project Boards offer tools to monitor the progress of your work.

Burndown Charts:

If using milestones, track progress through burndown charts.

Filters and Sorting:

1. Use filters to display specific issues or PRs by labels, assignees, or milestones.

2. Sort items within columns based on priority or deadlines.

Insights:

Use the built-in insights feature to gain a visual summary of project progress.

6. Managing Permissions

Repository-Level Boards:

Permissions are based on repository access:

• Collaborators: Can manage the board if they have write access to the repository.

• Public Repositories: Boards are visible to anyone, but only collaborators can edit.

Organization-Level Boards:

Assign roles to team members:

• Admin: Full control over the board and settings.

• Write: Add and manage cards, but no access to board settings.

• Read: View-only access.

7. Best Practices for Using GitHub Project Boards

1. Define Clear Workflows: Standardize columns like Backlog, To Do, In Progress, and Done.

2. Use Labels and Custom Fields: Add labels for priorities (e.g., High, Medium, Low) or types of work (e.g., Bug, Feature).

3. Link Issues and Pull Requests: Ensure all tasks have corresponding issues or pull requests to track progress accurately.

4. Automate Where Possible: Use built-in automation or GitHub Actions to save time.

5. Review Regularly: Conduct daily or weekly reviews to update statuses and prioritize tasks.

6. Collaborate with Teams: Use the board during standups or planning sessions to align the team.

Example Workflow

1. Create a Project Board for a new feature development.

2. Define columns: Backlog, Design, Development, Review, Done.

3. Add issues representing tasks (e.g., design mockups, coding tasks).

4. Assign team members and add labels (e.g., priority-high).

5. Use automation to move issues to Done when closed.

6. Monitor progress using filters and regularly update the board.

Summary

GitHub Project Boards provide a centralized and flexible way to manage tasks, making them ideal for teams using GitHub for development. By leveraging automation and integrations, you can create an efficient and transparent workflow.