Git Workflow

A standardized process or set of guidelines for how teams use Git to collaborate on software projects effectively.

Overview

Git workflows are conventions that teams adopt to organize their development process using Git. Different workflows suit different team sizes and project types. Common workflows include Feature Branch Workflow, Gitflow, and Trunk-Based Development. Adopting a consistent workflow helps teams collaborate efficiently and maintain code quality.

Example

bash
# Feature Branch Workflow
# 1. Start from main
git checkout main
git pull origin main

# 2. Create feature branch
git checkout -b feature/user-authentication

# 3. Work and commit
git add .
git commit -m "Add login form"
git commit -m "Add authentication logic"

# 4. Push to remote
git push origin feature/user-authentication

# 5. Create pull request on GitHub
# 6. After review and approval, merge to main

# Gitflow Workflow
# Main branches: main, develop
# Supporting branches: feature/*, release/*, hotfix/*

# Start new feature
git checkout develop
git checkout -b feature/new-feature

# Finish feature
git checkout develop
git merge feature/new-feature
git branch -d feature/new-feature

# Hotfix workflow
git checkout main
git checkout -b hotfix/critical-bug
# Fix and commit
git checkout main
git merge hotfix/critical-bug
git checkout develop
git merge hotfix/critical-bug

Common Workflows

Feature Branch Workflow:

  • All features developed in dedicated branches
  • Merge to main via pull requests
  • Simple and popular

Gitflow:

  • Structured approach with multiple long-lived branches
  • Separates development, release, and production code
  • Good for scheduled releases

Trunk-Based Development:

  • Developers work in short-lived branches or directly on main
  • Frequent integration
  • Requires strong CI/CD

Key Points

  • Standardizes team collaboration
  • Prevents conflicts and maintains code quality
  • Choose workflow based on team size and needs
  • Requires discipline and communication
  • Usually involves code review

Learn More