Using an npm dependency? How can I efficiently test a pull request that resolves an issue without waiting for it to merge?
One good approach is to clone the repository and checkout the pull request branch directly. You can then use npm install with the GitHub URL or even npm link to connect your project to this local clone. This method allows you to simulate how the changes will work in your environment without waiting for a merge. In my experience, working against a local version of the dependency has helped me resolve integration issues early and validate that the PR truly fixes the issue it was intended to address.
I have often opted for a different technique to quickly evaluate changes from pull requests without waiting for a merge. In my setup, I modify the local package.json to point directly to the Git URL of the desired branch. This approach leverages npm’s ability to install packages directly from a repository. It has worked well over time, enabling efficient testing and integration while verifying that the updated dependency aligns with my project requirements. Although managing versions can sometimes be a bit tricky, it saves significant time when validating fixes.