From dfe248ea5f231f8b6ebd4a62e9f4220f49c0b9bc Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Aaron Po <apo2@uwo.ca>
Date: Sun, 11 Oct 2026 21:36:13 -0400
Subject: [PATCH] Create pull_request_template.md

---
 .github/pull_request_template.md | 101 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 1 file changed, 101 insertions(+)
 create mode 100644 .github/pull_request_template.md

diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
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+## Summary
+
+<!--
+State WHAT is changing and WHY, in two to five sentences.
+A reader should understand the change without opening the diff.
+Describe the problem first, then the outcome.
+-->
+
+## Type of change
+
+<!-- Tick the one option that best describes this PR. -->
+
+- [ ] Bug fix
+- [ ] New feature
+- [ ] Refactor (no change in behaviour)
+- [ ] Performance improvement
+- [ ] Documentation
+- [ ] Tests only
+- [ ] Build, CI or dependency update
+- [ ] Other (please specify):
+
+## Related issues
+
+<!--
+Link the issue(s) this PR relates to. Use one keyword per issue so that each is closed on merge:
+
+  Fixes #123
+  Fixes #124, fixes #125
+  Fixes owner/other-repo#456
+
+Closing keywords only take effect when the PR targets the repository's default branch.
+Use "Related to #123" if the PR should not close the issue.
+If there is no issue, write "N/A" and explain the motivation in the Summary.
+-->
+
+## Approach and context
+
+<!--
+Explain how the change works and why this approach was chosen.
+Include, where relevant:
+  - The decisions you made that are not obvious from the code.
+  - Alternatives you considered and why you rejected them.
+  - Known limitations or shortcomings, and any planned follow-up work.
+  - Background such as benchmark results or design documents.
+
+Summarise the key points of any external link. Links may be inaccessible to future readers.
+-->
+
+## How this was tested
+
+<!--
+Describe what you ran and what you observed. Be specific, and state only what you actually did.
+For example: the automated tests added or changed, manual steps and their outcome,
+environments or platforms covered, and anything you were unable to test.
+For a bug fix, note the test that fails without the fix.
+-->
+
+## Compatibility and risk
+
+- [ ] This change is backwards compatible.
+- [ ] This change is **breaking** (complete the details below).
+- [ ] This change deprecates existing behaviour (complete the details below).
+
+<!--
+If breaking or deprecating, describe: what changes, who is affected,
+and the migration path or recommended alternative.
+Also note any deployment, configuration, data migration or rollback considerations.
+-->
+
+## User-facing change
+
+<!--
+Does this PR change behaviour that users, operators or API consumers will notice?
+If not, write "None".
+If so, write one or two sentences suitable for release notes, in plain language and from the
+user's point of view. If users must take action when upgrading, state clearly that action is required.
+-->
+
+```release-note
+
+```
+
+## Notes for reviewers
+
+<!--
+Help reviewers focus. For example:
+  - Where to start, or a suggested order in which to read the files.
+  - Areas where you would particularly value scrutiny, or where you are uncertain.
+  - How any mechanical, generated or bulk changes were produced (for example a search-and-replace
+    or a code generator), so that reviewers can reproduce the steps.
+  - Screenshots or recordings for visual changes (include before and after where useful).
+-->
+
+## Checklist
+- [ ] The PR has a single, focused purpose and contains no unrelated changes.
+- [ ] The title is a clear, imperative summary of the change (for example, "Add retry to payment client").
+- [ ] I have added or updated tests that cover this change.
+- [ ] The build succeeds and the tests pass locally.
+- [ ] The code follows the existing patterns and style of this repository.
+- [ ] I have updated documentation, changelogs or API references where required.
+- [ ] I have reviewed my own diff, and this description reflects the final state of the change.