Branch
A separate line of work in a repository, so a change can be built without affecting everyone else.
Definition
Teams commonly use main (shared latest code), feature or fix branches (one piece of work), release branches (a version being stabilized) and hotfix branches (urgent fixes to what's live). Conventions differ between teams.
In practice
The fix for FD-327 lives on fix/FD-327-reorder-prices until it's merged into main.
Learn it in context
Lessons that use this term.
Related terms
- GitThe version control system most software teams use to track every change to their code.
- Pull requestA request to merge a branch's changes, with code review and automated checks. GitLab calls it a merge request.
- MergeBringing the commits from one branch into another, usually into main after a pull request is approved.
- ReleaseMaking a version of the software available to users.