Branches

In a collaborative environment, it is common for several developers to share and work on the same source code. While some developers will fix bugs, others will implement new features, etc. With so much going on, there needs to be a system in place for managing different versions of the same code base.

Branching allows developers to branch out from the original code base and isolate their work from others. It also helps Git to merge versions later on easily.

Benefits of branches

• Isolation of work: Branches allow developers to work on new features, bug fixes, or experiments without affecting the main codebase or other developers. This isolation prevents interference and allows for independent development.
• Parallel development: Multiple branches enable teams to work concurrently on different features or fixes. Each branch can evolve independently, and changes can be integrated later through merging or rebasing.
• Feature development: Branches are commonly used to develop new features. Developers can create a feature branch from the main branch, implement changes, test them, and then merge the branch back into the main branch once complete.
• Bug fixes: Branches are also useful for isolating bug fixes. Developers can create a branch from the main branch, fix the issue, test the fix, and then merge it back into the main branch.