GitHub API: How to Handle 409 Conflict Errors When Modifying Repository Files

Other Questions API
1

I am utilizing the GitHub API to set up a repository and subsequently add some files to it. While the creation of the repository is successful, I encounter a 409 Conflict response when I attempt to modify existing content.\n\nHere’s the code I use to create the repository:\n

await octokit.request(‘POST /user/repos’, {\n name: ‘My-Repo’,\n description: ‘First repository!’,\n homepage: ‘https://github.com’,\n private: false,\n is_template: true,\n headers: { ‘X-GitHub-Api-Version’: ‘2022-11-28’ }\n});\n
\n\nFor adding or modifying files, I’m calling the following API endpoint:\n
/repos/{owner}/{repo}/contents/{file_path}\n
\n\nUnfortunately, when I send the request to update a specific file, I get a 409 Conflict error.\n\nWhat steps can I take to resolve this conflict and successfully update the file, possibly overwriting its current contents?

2

The 409 Conflict error usually happens due to branch protection or version mismatch. Here’s a quick fix:

  1. Ensure File Exists: Confirm the file exists at /{file_path}.

  2. Use SHA for Updating: Retrieve the file’s current SHA before updating. For updates, your request should be:

await octokit.request('PUT /repos/{owner}/{repo}/contents/{file_path}', {
  message: 'your commit message',
  content: 'base64_encoded_content',
  sha: 'current_file_sha',
  owner: '{owner}',
  repo: '{repo}'
});
  1. Check Branch Protection: If using branches, ensure the target branch allows changes without restrictions.

This should help in handling the conflict error. Good luck!

3

To handle a 409 Conflict error effectively, it’s crucial to address the root causes which often involve file existence and branch conditions. Here’s a detailed approach:

  1. Check File Presence: Verify whether the file already exists in the specified path before attempting an update. If it doesn’t exist, you’ll need to create it rather than update.

  2. Get the Latest File SHA: As mentioned earlier, the key to successful updates is having the correct SHA value of the current file version. You can retrieve the SHA using:

const { data: { sha } } = await octokit.request('GET /repos/{owner}/{repo}/contents/{file_path}', {
  owner: '{owner}',
  repo: '{repo}',
});

Ensure you pass this SHA in your update request.

  1. Update Request Using SHA: Once you have the SHA, construct your update request as follows:
await octokit.request('PUT /repos/{owner}/{repo}/contents/{file_path}', {
  message: 'Update the file with new content',
  content: 'base64_encoded_content',
  sha: sha, // use the current file's SHA
  owner: '{owner}',
  repo: '{repo}',
});

  1. Branch Protection Rules: Inspect your repository’s branch protection rules. If the branch is protected, ensure you have adequate permissions or configure appropriately to allow the changes.

  2. Concurrency Consideration: Conflicts can also arise if multiple updates occur concurrently. Ensure that no other process is attempting to update the file at the same time, which could lead to version mismatches.

By carefully ensuring you’re working with the correct file version and respecting branch rules, you should be able to overcome the 409 Conflict challenges effectively.