What is a Git Branch? How to Create One?

What is a Git Branch? How to Create One?

You might be working on a large project like building a new website or developing a video game. These applications often require frequent changes to the code. With Git, you can keep a record of all the changes you make, enabling you to easily revert to a previous version when needed. This is where branches become a powerful tool.

Branching allows you to create parallel versions of programs or objects in development, preserving the original while enabling isolated modifications in each copy. It facilitates productivity by allowing different teams to work on separate components of a program simultaneously. Common branch-related keywords include break, continue, return, and goto.

What is a Branch?

A branch in version control and software management is used to make isolated changes to the code while maintaining stability. It simplifies the development of bug fixes, the addition of new features, and the testing of updates before integration. Each copy of the program being developed is considered a branch, while the original base program is referred to as the baseline, trunk, or master. Developers can create copies of the working version, enabling teams to work independently on their copies.

For example, you can create a branch to work on a new feature or fix a bug on a website. Once you’re satisfied with the changes, you can merge the branch back into the main codebase.

Branching is related to forking, which involves taking source code from an open-source software program and creating an entirely new program. The resulting program is called a fork. While both involve diverging from the main code, branching and forking differ in their application. Branches remain part of the original repository, while forks are independent copies.

Branching vs. Forking

The use and extent of branching or forking depend on the working environment. Teams can combine and customize these workflows in various ways. For example, Bitbucket provides branching strategies that allow control over merging and support for independent branches. You can use Bitbucket branches in the following scenarios:

• Small teams of developers who trust each other and maintain close communication.
• Development organizations where write access to a repository needs to be granted.
• Developers working on fast iteration cycles.

To work on a project, you need to clone a remote Bitbucket repository to your local device or network. You can do this using the clone button in the Bitbucket repository. If a repository has been forked, only the fork is accessed. If it has been branched, the repository is cloned to manage the branch. Bitbucket supports both approaches.

Common Branch Statements

Branch statements allow the workflow to jump to a different part of the program. Common branch statements include break, continue, return, and goto. Here’s how they work:

Break

Used to exit a loop or switch statement. In the example below, the loop is set to run eight times but stops at the fifth iteration due to the break statement:

counter = 0
while counter < 8:
   print(counter)
   if counter == 4:
       break
   counter += 1

Continue

Skips the current iteration and moves to the next one. In the example below, the number 4 is skipped:

for counter in range(8):
   if counter == 4:
       continue
   print(counter)
Return

Exits a function and optionally returns a value:

def do_something():
   # Function logic
   return "Function complete"

Goto

Rarely used in structured programming, goto allows jumping to a specific label:

some_code:
   goto label;  // Jumps to the label
   some_code;
label:
   // Label logic
Exit

Technically a predefined function, exit stops program execution. For example, it can terminate a program if a file fails to open:

import sys
if not file_opened:
   sys.exit("Error: Unable to open file")

How to Create a Branch in Git

Branches are a core part of Git, helping manage changes in the codebase. They allow you to isolate changes, so you can test new features or fix bugs without affecting the main codebase. Let’s explore the steps to create branches:

1. Using checkout to Create a Branch

The simplest way to create a Git branch is with the git checkout command and the -b flag:

$ git checkout -b <branch-name>

For example, to create a new branch called feature from the master branch:

$ git checkout -b feature
Switched to new branch 'feature'

This command creates the branch and automatically switches to it.

2. Creating a Branch Without Switching

If you don’t want to switch to the new branch immediately, use the git branch command:

$ git branch <branch-name>

You can later switch to the branch using checkout:

$ git checkout <branch-name>

3. Creating a Branch from a Specific Commit

You can create a branch from a specific commit using the git checkout command with the -b flag and the commit hash:

$ git checkout -b <branch-name> <commit-hash>

Alternatively, use git branch:

$ git branch <branch-name> <commit-hash>

To find the commit hash, run:

$ git log --oneline

4. Creating a Branch from a Tag

To create a branch from a specific tag:

$ git checkout -b <branch-name> <tag-name>

You can also use the git branch command:

$ git branch <branch-name> <tag-name>

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Hiring Challenges last?

The duration depends on the type of competition and may range from a few hours to a few days. Participants solve problems like Android, iOS, or algorithmic challenges within the allocated time.

What are the requirements for joining Hackathons?

If you’re looking to advance in technology, prove your skills in software development, and work on various projects, you can apply for Hackathons.

How can I create a new branch based on an existing branch?

Use the following command to create a new branch based on an existing one:

$ git branch <new-branch> <base-branch>

How can I create a new branch based on a remote branch?

To create a local branch based on a remote branch, use the --track option:

$ git branch --track <new-branch> origin/<base-branch>

How can I push a new branch to a remote repository?

After working on a new local branch, you can publish it to the remote repository:

$ git push -u origin <local-branch>

Git branches are a powerful way to manage code and collaborate with other developers. They allow you to create isolated copies of your codebase, experiment, and make changes without affecting the main codebase. If you want to learn more about branching or connect with experts in the field, join Techcareer.net’s Bootcamps or our Discord channel for the latest insights in software development!