VisualJJ

Stacked PRs

What is a stack?

A stack is a chain of changes where each builds on the previous one. For example:

  1. Database migration
  2. API endpoint (depends on #1)
  3. Frontend component (depends on #2)

These must land in order. Each PR targets the branch below it, not main directly.

Creating stacked PRs

  1. Build your changes as a vertical chain in VisualJJ
  2. Create a PR for the bottom change first
  3. Create PRs for the changes above it

Landing a stack

Merge from bottom to top. After each merge, the next PR's target updates automatically.

When to use stacks

Stacks work well when:

  • Changes genuinely depend on each other
  • You want smaller, reviewable PRs for large features
  • Reviewers can follow the logical progression

Don't use stacks for unrelated changes—create separate PRs instead.

Pro features

VisualJJ Pro adds automation for stacks:

  • Stack position indicators
  • Automatic update of PR target branch
  • Links between PRs so reviewers see the full picture

See Licensing for details.