GitLab is a popular web-based Git repository manager that provides several features, including issue tracking, continuous integration, and merge requests. Merge requests are a critical feature of GitLab that allows developers to propose changes to the codebase and collaborate with their team members. However, there are several other merge request tools available in 2024 that offer similar or even better features than GitLab. In this article, we will explore the 10 best GitLab merge requests alternatives and competitors in 2024.

1. GitHub

GitHub is a web-based Git repository hosting service that offers several features, including pull requests, issue tracking, and code reviews. GitHub's pull request feature is similar to GitLab merge requests, allowing developers to propose changes and collaborate with their team members. With its massive community and vast integration options, GitHub is a top choice for developers of all levels.

2. Bitbucket

Bitbucket is a web-based Git repository hosting service that offers several features, including pull requests, issue tracking, and code reviews. Bitbucket's pull request feature is similar to GitLab merge requests, allowing developers to propose changes and collaborate with their team members. With its robust security features and integrations with Atlassian tools, Bitbucket is a top choice for businesses and enterprise-level teams.

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3. GitKraken

GitKraken is a Git client that offers several features, including pull requests, issue tracking, and code reviews. GitKraken's pull request feature is similar to GitLab merge requests, allowing developers to propose changes and collaborate with their team members. With its user-friendly interface and advanced merge conflict resolution tools, GitKraken is a top choice for individual developers and small teams.

4. GitLab Self-Managed

While GitLab is a popular cloud-based solution, GitLab also offers a self-managed option. GitLab self-managed allows businesses to host their own GitLab instance on-premise or in the cloud, giving them complete control over their data and infrastructure. With its robust features and advanced security options, GitLab self-managed is a top choice for businesses looking for a comprehensive merge request solution.

5. Phabricator

Phabricator is an open-source software development platform that offers several features, including code reviews, issue tracking, and merge requests. Phabricator's merge request feature is similar to GitLab merge requests, allowing developers to propose changes and collaborate with their team members. With its advanced code review tools and integration options, Phabricator is a top choice for businesses and enterprise-level teams.

6. SourceForge

SourceForge is a web-based Git repository hosting service that offers several features, including pull requests, issue tracking, and code reviews. SourceForge's pull request feature is similar to GitLab merge requests, allowing developers to propose changes and collaborate with their team members. With its vast community and extensive integration options, SourceForge is a top choice for developers of all levels.

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7. GitLab Forks

GitLab forks are a powerful feature that allows developers to create a copy of a repository and make changes without affecting the original codebase. With GitLab forks, developers can propose changes and collaborate with their team members before merging the changes back into the main codebase. With its robust features and advanced collaboration tools, GitLab forks are a top choice for individual developers and small teams.

8. Azure DevOps

Azure DevOps is a cloud-based software development platform that offers several features, including pull requests, issue tracking, and code reviews. Azure DevOps' pull request feature is similar to GitLab merge requests, allowing developers to propose changes and collaborate with their team members. With its advanced analytics and reporting tools, Azure DevOps is a top choice for businesses looking for a comprehensive merge request solution.

9. GitLab Community Edition (CE)

GitLab Community Edition is a free and open-source Git repository manager that offers several features, including issue tracking, continuous integration, and merge requests. While GitLab Community Edition does not offer all the features of the enterprise edition, it provides enough functionality for small teams and individual developers. With its active community and flexible pricing options, GitLab Community Edition is a top choice for developers of all levels.

10. AWS CodeCommit

AWS CodeCommit is a web-based Git repository hosting service that offers several features, including pull requests, issue tracking, and code reviews. AWS CodeCommit's pull request feature is similar to GitLab merge requests, allowing developers to propose changes and collaborate with their team members. With its robust security features and integration options with other AWS services, AWS CodeCommit is a top choice for businesses and enterprise-level teams.

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In conclusion, while GitLab merge requests are a critical feature for developers using GitLab, there are several other merge request tools available in 2024 that offer similar or even better features. Whether you're looking for a cloud-based solution like GitHub or Bitbucket, a powerful Git client like GitKraken, or an open-source software development platform like Phabricator, these alternatives provide a variety of options to help you collaborate and manage your codebase more effectively.