Git Workflow Best Practices for Development Teams

Why Git Workflow Matters

A well-defined Git workflow is essential for team productivity and code quality. This guide covers proven strategies for managing code effectively.

Popular Branching Strategies

Git Flow

A robust workflow for projects with scheduled releases:

main
  │
  └── develop
        │
        ├── feature/user-auth
        ├── feature/dashboard
        │
        └── release/v1.0
              │
              └── hotfix/security-patch

Key branches:

• main: Production-ready code
• develop: Integration branch
• feature/*: New features
• release/*: Release preparation
• hotfix/*: Emergency fixes

GitHub Flow

Simpler approach for continuous deployment:

main
  │
  ├── feature/new-login
  ├── feature/api-refactor
  └── fix/button-style

Rules:

1. Main is always deployable
2. Branch off main for features
3. Open PR for review
4. Merge to main after approval
5. Deploy immediately

Commit Message Conventions

Conventional Commits

<type>(<scope>): <description>

[optional body]

[optional footer]

Types:

• feat: New feature
• fix: Bug fix
• docs: Documentation
• style: Formatting
• refactor: Code restructuring
• test: Adding tests
• chore: Maintenance

Examples:

feat(auth): add OAuth2 login support

fix(api): resolve rate limiting issue

docs(readme): update installation instructions

Code Review Best Practices

As a Reviewer

1. Review promptly (within 24 hours)
2. Be constructive and specific
3. Approve when requirements are met
4. Use suggestions for minor changes

As an Author

1. Keep PRs small and focused
2. Write clear descriptions
3. Respond to feedback promptly
4. Don't take feedback personally

Resolving Merge Conflicts

# Update your branch
git fetch origin
git rebase origin/main

# Resolve conflicts in files
# Then continue
git add .
git rebase --continue

# Force push if needed
git push --force-with-lease

Conclusion

A consistent Git workflow improves collaboration and code quality. Choose the workflow that fits your team and stick to it.

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