You can require pull requests to pass a set of checks before they can be merged. For example, you can block pull requests that don't pass status checks.
By default, any pull request can be merged at any time, unless the head branch is in conflict with the base branch. But as your project matures and stabilizes, you can choose to enforce restrictions on how a pull request is merged into your repository.
About protected branches
Protected branches ensure that collaborators on your repository cannot make irrevocable changes to branches.
Configuring protected branches
Repository administrators can enable protected branches for limiting branch manipulation.
About required status checks
Required status checks ensure that all required CI tests are passing before collaborators can make changes to a protected branch.
Types of required status checks
You can set up required status checks to either be "loose" or "strict." The type of required status check you choose determines whether your branch is required to be up to date with the base branch before merging.
Enabling required status checks
Repository administrators can enforce required status checks before a branch is merged in a pull request or before commits on a local branch can be pushed to the protected remote branch.
About branch restrictions
Branches within repositories that belong to organizations can be configured so that only certain users or teams can push to the branch.
Enabling branch restrictions
Repository administrators for organizations can enforce branch restrictions so that only certain users or teams are able to push to a protected branch.
