To track Product Backlog Items (PBIs) in GitHub, you can use a combination of GitHub Issues, Projects, Labels, and Milestones. Here’s how to structure your backlog effectively:
1. Use GitHub Issues for PBIs
Each Product Backlog Item (PBI) should be a GitHub Issue. This makes it easy to track, comment, and assign work.
- Title: Write a clear, descriptive title.
- Description: Use a format like user stories:
**User Story**
As a [user type], I need [feature or functionality] so that [reason/benefit].
**Acceptance Criteria**
- [ ] Criterion 1
- [ ] Criterion 2
- [ ] Criterion 3
**Additional Notes**
- Any links, designs, or supporting documents
2. Organize Issues with Labels
Use Labels to categorize backlog items:
- Type:
feature,bug,task,spike - Priority:
high-priority,medium-priority,low-priority - Status:
ready-for-dev,in-progress,blocked,done - Sprint/Release:
sprint-1,release-1.0
3. Use GitHub Projects for Backlog Management
GitHub Projects (Kanban boards) help visualize the backlog and sprint progress.
- Create a GitHub Project for your backlog.
- Columns Example:
- 📝 Backlog (All new PBIs)
- 🟢 Ready for Development (Refined PBIs ready for work)
- 🏗️ In Progress (Active development)
- ✅ Done (Completed & tested)
- Move Issues across columns as work progresses.
4. Use Milestones for Sprints & Releases
Milestones help track progress toward a deadline.
- Create a Milestone for each Sprint or Release.
- Assign backlog items to the milestone.
- View progress in the Milestones tab.
5. Link Issues to Pull Requests
When developers start coding, they should:
- Reference the issue in the Pull Request (PR) using
Fixes #123orCloses #123(this auto-closes the issue when merged). - Use Branches named after backlog items (e.g.,
feature/user-authentication).
6. Automate with GitHub Actions
You can use GitHub Actions to:
- Auto-move issues in the Project Board when PRs are merged.
- Notify teams about new backlog items.
- Integrate with Jira, Azure DevOps, or Trello if needed.
7. Review and Prioritize Regularly
- Sprint Planning: Move items from Backlog → Ready for Development.
- Backlog Grooming: Keep issues updated with new details.
- Retrospectives: Review what went well and improve backlog management.
Summary
| GitHub Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Issues | Track individual PBIs (user stories, tasks, bugs) |
| Labels | Categorize and prioritize PBIs |
| Projects | Manage backlog with a Kanban board |
| Milestones | Group issues for sprints/releases |
| Pull Requests | Link code changes to backlog items |
| GitHub Actions | Automate issue tracking |
Would you like a step-by-step guide on setting up a GitHub Project Board for your backlog? 🚀
Set Up a GitHub Project Board for Product Backlog
1. Create a GitHub Project Board
- Go to your repository.
- Click Projects → New Project.
- Choose “Board” view.
- Name it Product Backlog → Click Create.
2. Add Columns
- Click + Add column, then create:
- 📝 Backlog (New PBIs)
- 🟢 Ready for Development (Refined PBIs)
- 🏗️ In Progress (Work started)
- 🔍 Review (Code review/testing)
- ✅ Done (Completed items)
3. Add Issues to the Board
- Click + Add Item → Create Issue (or drag existing issues).
- Use Labels (e.g.,
feature,bug,high-priority). - Assign Milestones for sprints/releases.
4. Link Pull Requests to Issues
- In the PR description, reference issues with:
Fixes #123(auto-closes issue when merged).
- Move items manually or use GitHub Actions to automate status updates.
5. Review & Maintain
- Sprint Planning: Move PBIs from Backlog → Ready for Dev.
- Backlog Grooming: Keep issues updated.
- Retrospective: Adjust board based on team feedback.
🎯 Done! Your backlog is now structured in GitHub. 🚀