Git Branching Strategies

1. Introduction

Git is a distributed version control system that allows developers to track changes in their codebase. Branching is one of the key features of Git, enabling multiple lines of development within the same repository. In this lesson, we will explore various branching strategies that can optimize your workflow and collaboration.

2. Branching Strategies

2.1 Feature Branching

Feature branching involves creating a new branch for each feature or bug fix. This isolates development and makes it easier to manage code changes.

git checkout -b feature/my-new-feature
# Work on the feature
git add .
git commit -m "Add new feature"
git checkout main
git merge feature/my-new-feature
git branch -d feature/my-new-feature

2.2 Git Flow

Git Flow is a popular branching model that defines a strict branching strategy. It uses two main branches: main and develop, with feature, release, and hotfix branches branched off of these.

git flow init
git flow feature start my-feature
# Finish feature
git flow feature finish my-feature
git flow release start 1.0.0
git flow release finish 1.0.0

2.3 GitHub Flow

GitHub Flow is a simpler model used primarily for projects that deploy regularly. It emphasizes short-lived branches and is well-suited for continuous deployment.

git checkout -b feature/my-cool-feature
# Make changes
git push origin feature/my-cool-feature
# Create a pull request in GitHub

3. Best Practices

• Always create a new branch for new features or fixes.
• Keep branches focused and short-lived.
• Use descriptive names for branches.
• Regularly merge changes from the main branch into your feature branches.
• Delete branches after they are merged to keep the repository clean.

4. FAQ