Branching and merging are essential Git operations that help manage code changes efficiently. Whether you’re working on a feature or fixing a bug, understanding how to create and merge branches can save you time and reduce conflicts. Let’s dive into how to do this smoothly.
Creating a New Branch
Starting a new branch is straightforward. Use the following command to create and switch to your new branch in one go:
git checkout -b your-branch-name
If you want to see all your branches, simply run:
git branch
Don’t forget to name your branches descriptively! Keep them focused on the task at hand.
Navigate Between Branches
To switch between branches, use:
git checkout your-branch-name
If you’re curious about what changes are in another branch without switching, try:
git checkout -b temporary your-other-branch
Making Changes and Committing
Once on your new branch, work as usual. Stage changes with:
git add .
And commit them:
git commit -m "your commit message"
This keeps your feature isolated until ready to merge.
Merging Branches
Ready to merge? Switch to the branch you want to merge into and run:
git merge your-branch-name
If conflicts arise, Git will alert you. Resolve them by editing files and then add them with:
git add .
Then commit again:
git commit -m "resolve conflicts"
Merge Without Fast-Forward
Preserve your merge history with:
git merge --no-ff your-branch-name
This creates a clear entry in your commit history.
Cleaning Up: Delete the Branch
After merging, remove the branch locally with:
git branch -d your-branch-name
If it hasn’t been merged upstream, force delete:
git branch -D your-branch-name
A Final Word
Merging branches is a routine part of Git workflow. By following these steps, you maintain clean history and avoid conflicts. Always check the status after merging with:
git status
To ensure everything looks good.
Thanks for reading! Happy branching!
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