Git Workflows

Git is more than just a backup tool; it’s a collaboration platform. While you can use Git alone on your machine, teams need a set of rules — a workflow — to ensure code stays stable and developers don’t step on each other’s toes.

Feature Branches

The most common workflow pattern is the Feature Branch. Instead of working on the main branch directly:

1. Create a new branch for your task: git checkout -b new-button.
2. Commit your changes there.
3. Merge it back to main only when the work is finished and tested.

This keeps the main branch always “deployable” and clean.

Pull Requests (PRs)

A Pull Request is a request to merge one branch into another (usually a feature branch into main). It provides a space for Code Review, where other developers can comment on your code, suggest changes, and catch bugs before they hit production.

Common Strategies

1. Gitflow

A strict model with dedicated branches for features, releases, and hotfixes. Great for large, slow-moving projects with scheduled releases.

2. Trunk-Based Development

Developers merge small, frequent updates directly to the “trunk” (main). This requires high automated test coverage and is common in fast-moving Continuous Delivery teams.

Takeaways

• Workflows provide a standardized way for teams to collaborate using Git.
• Feature branches isolate work and keep the main codebase stable.
• Pull Requests and code reviews are essential for maintaining code quality.