How to bypass PR review requirements when only specific files (e.g., */config.json) are modified?

Question

I have a repository where branch protection rules are enabled, requiring at least one pull-request review before merging.

However, I want to introduce an exception to this rule:

* If a pull request only modifies files named config.json located anywhere in the repository (for example, service-a/config.json, env/prod/config.json, etc.)

* Then the PR should not require manual review

* Ideally, the PR should be auto-approved or allowed to merge without review

What I’m looking for:

* A way to conditionally bypass branch protection rules based on changed file paths

* Or an approach to automatically approve PRs when only */config.json files are changed

Constraints / Context:

* Branch restrictions are already enforced (1 review required)

* The solution should be automated (Bitbucket Pipelines, etc.)

* Preferably without weakening security for other file changes

Saxea _Flowie_ · Answer

Hi @Kavindu Kalinga ,

Can we do it using only bitbucket pipelines and default merge checks and PR checks?

No, the default merge checks/branch restrictions don't suppport the conditions you mention in your requirements, you'd would need to implement you own custom check as I mentioned above.

Kalinga Chandrasiri · Answer

Thank you for your answer.

I am looking for a solution only using already existing stack.
Can we do it using only bitbucket pipelines and default merge checks and PR checks?

We are concerned about the cost as well

Saxea _Flowie_ · Answer

Hi @Kavindu Kalinga ,

I’m afraid you can’t do it using only Bitbucket’s built-in checks, but you could build your own custom check and implement your logic above.

Alternatively, if you prefer an out of the box solution, we provide a Bitbucket app Flowie, which allow you to configure checks using conditions.

In your case, the relevant bit of the config, would look something like this:

minimumApprovals(
  [changeset.allMatches("**/config.json"), 0],
  [otherwise, 1]
)

Hope this helps.