Git Branching Strategies

Branching Models: Choosing the Right Strategy

Effective branching strategies are crucial for team collaboration and code management. Here are the most common approaches:

Git Flow

A structured model with multiple long-running branches:

• main - Production-ready code
• develop - Integration branch
• feature/* - For new features
• release/* - Preparation for releases
• hotfix/* - Critical production fixes

Best for: Projects with scheduled releases and formal processes.

GitHub Flow

A simplified workflow with a single main branch:

• main - Always deployable
• feature/* - Short-lived branches

Best for: Continuous delivery and SaaS applications.

Trunk-Based Development

All developers commit to a single branch ("trunk"):

• main - Only branch (with feature flags)
• Short-lived feature branches (1-2 days max)

Best for: High-performing teams practicing CI/CD.

Working with Feature Branches

Feature branches isolate work without disrupting the main codebase:

Best Practices:

• Keep branches small and focused (single feature/bugfix)
• Name branches clearly: feature/user-auth, bugfix/login-error
• Update frequently with main branch changes
• Delete merged branches to avoid clutter

Workflow Example:

# Create new feature branch
git checkout -b feature/new-widget

# Make commits
git add .
git commit -m "Implement widget core functionality"

# Push to remote
git push -u origin feature/new-widget

# When ready, merge via PR

Rebasing vs Merging: Choosing the Right Approach

Merging

Creates a new merge commit that combines two branches:

git checkout main
git merge feature/branch

Pros: Preserves history, non-destructive
Cons: Can create complex commit graphs
When to use: When merging long-running branches or public branches

Rebasing

Rewrites commit history by applying commits on top of another branch:

git checkout feature/branch
git rebase main

Pros: Clean linear history, easier to follow
Cons: Rewrites history (dangerous for shared branches)
When to use: Local feature branches before merging

Before rebase: Feature branch diverged from main at commit B

A---B---C---D (main)
     \
      E---F (feature)

After rebase: Feature commits reapplied on top of main

A---B---C---D (main)
             \
              E'---F' (feature)

Choosing Your Strategy

The right branching approach depends on your team size, release cycle, and workflow. Smaller teams often benefit from GitHub Flow or Trunk-Based Development, while larger projects may need Git Flow's structure. Regardless of strategy, consistent use of feature branches and understanding merge/rebase will keep your repository healthy.