What is branch?

A branch is a separate line of development in a code repository. Think of it like a parallel version of your project where you can make changes without affecting the main codebase.

Let's break it down

  • The main line is often called “main” or “master”.
  • When you create a branch, you copy the current state of the code into a new workspace.
  • You can add, edit, or delete files in this workspace independently.
  • When you’re happy with the changes, you can merge the branch back into the main line.

Why does it matter?

Branches let multiple people work on different features or fixes at the same time without stepping on each other’s toes. They also provide a safe place to experiment; if something goes wrong, the main code stays untouched.

Where is it used?

  • Software development teams using Git, Mercurial, or Subversion.
  • Open‑source projects where contributors submit new features via pull requests.
  • Any project that needs to isolate work, such as bug fixes, experiments, or releases.

Good things about it

  • Enables parallel development and teamwork.
  • Reduces the risk of breaking the stable version.
  • Makes it easy to test new ideas and roll them back if needed.
  • Supports organized workflows like feature branches, release branches, and hotfix branches.

Not-so-good things

  • Too many long‑living branches can become hard to keep in sync, leading to merge conflicts.
  • If branches are not regularly updated with the main line, the final merge may be painful.
  • Managing many branches requires discipline and good naming conventions.
  • Over‑branching can clutter the repository and confuse new contributors.