Fixing PR Creation In Non-Forked Repositories

Nov 16, 2025 by Alex Johnson 46 views

Creating pull requests (PRs) in non-forked repositories can sometimes be tricky. This article dives deep into a specific error encountered when using the git-obs tool and provides insights on how to resolve it. We'll explore the root cause of the AttributeError: 'NoneType' object has no attribute 'owner' and offer potential solutions and workarounds.

Understanding the Problem

At the heart of the issue lies the git-obs tool, which is part of the osc (openSUSE command line) package. This tool helps interact with OBS (Open Build Service) repositories. When attempting to create a pull request in a non-forked repository, the script bombs out with the following traceback:

Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/usr/bin/git-obs", line 34, in <module>
    sys.exit(load_entry_point('osc==1.22.0', 'console_scripts', 'git-obs')())
  File "/usr/lib/python3.13/site-packages/osc/commandline_git.py", line 312, in main
    GitObsMainCommand.main()
  File "/usr/lib/python3.13/site-packages/osc/commandline_git.py", line 251, in main
    exit_code = cmd.run(args)
  File "/usr/lib/python3.13/site-packages/osc/commandline_common.py", line 221, in run
    return cmd.run(args)
  File "/usr/lib/python3.13/site-packages/osc/commands_git/pr_create.py", line 106, in run
    target_owner = source_repo_obj.parent_obj.owner
AttributeError: 'NoneType' object has no attribute 'owner'

This error message indicates that the source_repo_obj.parent_obj is None, and the script is trying to access the owner attribute of a None object. This typically happens when the script fails to correctly identify the repository's owner, especially in a non-forked scenario. The key parameters --target-owner and --target-repo are designed to specify the target repository for the pull request. When these parameters are missing, the script defaults to assuming the source and target are the same, which can lead to incorrect object initialization and, consequently, the NoneType error.

The problem arises specifically in the osc/commands_git/pr_create.py file, within the run function, where the script attempts to determine the target repository's owner. When the necessary target repository information isn't explicitly provided, the script's logic to infer this information fails, resulting in a NoneType object. This object then lacks the expected owner attribute, leading to the AttributeError and the script's abrupt termination.

To summarize, the error is triggered by missing --target-owner and --target-repo parameters when creating a pull request in a non-forked repository using git-obs. This causes the script to incorrectly handle repository object initialization, leading to an attempt to access the owner attribute of a NoneType object. Understanding this root cause is crucial for implementing effective solutions and preventing the error from occurring in the first place.

Analyzing the Root Cause

To fully grasp this error, let's break down the sequence of events and the code involved. The git-obs script is essentially a wrapper around the osc command-line tool, tailored for Git repositories. The pr_create.py script handles the logic for creating pull requests. When you run git-obs pr create, it triggers the execution of the run function within this script.

The relevant line of code where the error occurs is:

target_owner = source_repo_obj.parent_obj.owner

Here, source_repo_obj should represent the source repository object. The script expects this object to have a parent_obj attribute, which in turn should have an owner attribute. However, in the failing scenario, source_repo_obj.parent_obj is None. This usually happens when the script cannot correctly determine the parent repository, which is common in non-forked repositories where the relationship might not be as straightforward as in forked ones.

The reason for this failure often boils down to the missing --target-owner and --target-repo parameters. When these parameters are not provided, the script attempts to infer the target repository from the current context. In a non-forked repository, this inference can fail, leading to the parent_obj being set to None. The script then attempts to access the owner attribute of this None object, resulting in the AttributeError.

The parameters --target-owner and --target-repo are designed to explicitly tell the script where the pull request should be targeted. When these are omitted, the script's automatic logic falters, especially when dealing with non-standard repository setups. By providing these parameters, you explicitly guide the script to the correct target repository, bypassing the faulty inference logic and preventing the NoneType error.

In summary, the AttributeError arises because the script fails to correctly identify the target repository's owner due to missing parameters, leading to a NoneType object where a repository object is expected. Understanding this dependency on explicit target repository information is key to resolving the issue.

Solutions and Workarounds

Now that we understand the root cause of the error, let's explore several solutions and workarounds to address the issue when creating pull requests in non-forked repositories using git-obs.

1. Using `--target-owner` and `--target-repo`

The most straightforward solution is to explicitly provide the --target-owner and --target-repo parameters when running the git-obs pr create command. This ensures that the script correctly identifies the target repository and avoids the faulty inference logic that leads to the NoneType error.

For example, if you want to create a pull request targeting the repository my-repo owned by my-owner, you would use the following command:

git obs pr create --target-owner my-owner --target-repo my-repo

By explicitly specifying these parameters, you bypass the script's attempt to infer the target repository, ensuring that the source_repo_obj and its parent_obj are correctly initialized. This prevents the NoneType error and allows the pull request creation process to proceed smoothly.

2. Verifying Repository Configuration

Another potential workaround involves verifying the repository configuration, particularly the remote URLs. Ensure that the remote URLs are correctly set up and point to the correct repository. Incorrect or missing remote URLs can sometimes confuse the script and lead to incorrect object initialization.

You can check the remote URLs using the following command:

git remote -v

This command will display the remote URLs associated with your repository. Make sure that the URLs are accurate and point to the correct repository. If the URLs are incorrect, you can update them using the git remote set-url command.

3. Updating `osc` Package

In some cases, the error might be due to a bug in an older version of the osc package. Consider updating the osc package to the latest version to ensure that you have the latest bug fixes and improvements.

You can update the osc package using the following command:

sudo zypper update osc

This command will update the osc package to the latest available version. After updating, try running the git-obs pr create command again to see if the issue has been resolved.

4. Examining the OBS Configuration

Occasionally, the problem may stem from misconfigurations within the Open Build Service (OBS) itself. Reviewing the OBS configuration to ensure everything is correctly set up can be beneficial. This might involve checking API endpoints, authentication settings, and repository access permissions.

5. Debugging the Script

For more advanced users, debugging the osc/commands_git/pr_create.py script directly can provide valuable insights into the issue. You can add print statements to inspect the values of source_repo_obj and source_repo_obj.parent_obj to understand why they are not being initialized correctly.

By employing these solutions and workarounds, you can effectively address the AttributeError and successfully create pull requests in non-forked repositories using git-obs.

Best Practices for Avoiding the Error

To consistently avoid the AttributeError when creating pull requests in non-forked repositories, it's essential to adopt some best practices. These practices will ensure that the git-obs script has all the necessary information to correctly identify the target repository and avoid faulty inference logic.

1. Always Use `--target-owner` and `--target-repo`

The most reliable way to prevent the error is to always include the --target-owner and --target-repo parameters when running the git-obs pr create command. This eliminates any ambiguity and ensures that the script knows exactly where the pull request should be targeted. Make it a habit to include these parameters, even if you think the script might be able to infer the target repository correctly.

2. Keep Your `osc` Package Updated

Regularly update the osc package to benefit from the latest bug fixes and improvements. Newer versions of the package are more likely to have addressed potential issues related to repository inference and object initialization. Set up a routine to check for updates and install them promptly.

3. Verify Remote URLs Regularly

Periodically check the remote URLs of your repository to ensure they are accurate. Incorrect or outdated remote URLs can cause confusion and lead to unexpected behavior. Use the git remote -v command to verify the URLs and update them if necessary.

4. Use Descriptive Branch Names

Employ clear and descriptive branch names. Vague or generic branch names can sometimes complicate the script's ability to correctly identify the target repository. Use branch names that clearly indicate the purpose of the changes and the target repository.

5. Test in a Controlled Environment

Before creating a pull request in a production environment, test the process in a controlled environment, such as a test repository. This allows you to identify and resolve any potential issues before they impact your production workflow.

6. Document Your Workflow

Document your pull request creation workflow, including the specific commands and parameters you use. This documentation can serve as a reference for yourself and other team members, ensuring that everyone follows the same process and avoids potential errors.

By adhering to these best practices, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering the AttributeError and streamline your pull request creation process in non-forked repositories.

Conclusion

Creating pull requests in non-forked repositories with git-obs can present challenges, particularly the dreaded AttributeError: 'NoneType' object has no attribute 'owner'. However, by understanding the root cause—missing --target-owner and --target-repo parameters leading to faulty repository inference—you can effectively address the issue. Employing the solutions and workarounds discussed, such as explicitly providing target repository information, verifying repository configurations, and keeping your osc package updated, will help you overcome this hurdle.

Moreover, adopting best practices like consistently using --target-owner and --target-repo, maintaining accurate remote URLs, and documenting your workflow ensures a smoother pull request creation process. By proactively addressing these potential pitfalls, you can minimize errors and enhance your overall development experience.

Remember, the key to resolving this issue lies in providing the git-obs script with the necessary information to correctly identify the target repository. With a clear understanding of the problem and the right tools and techniques, you can confidently create pull requests in non-forked repositories and contribute effectively to your projects.

For more information on Open Build Service and contributing to openSUSE, visit the openSUSE wiki.