Efficient Git Workflow: From Idea to Deployment

Git is fundamental in software development for managing changes and collaborating. This post offers a guide from the creation of a new task to its deployment, maximizing efficiency and clarity in your projects.

1. Start a New Task

Synchronize the Local Repository

git checkout main # Switch to the main branch (main or master)
git pull origin main # Update the main branch with remote changes

Create and Switch to a New Branch for the Task

git checkout -b feature-x # Create and switch to a new branch for the task

2. Development

Develop your task by making changes in the code, testing, etc. Then:

Record Changes (Several times during development)

git add . # Add all changed files to the staging area
git commit -m "Description of the changes made" # Record the changes

3. Preparation for Review

Synchronize with the Main Branch (Optional, but recommended)

git checkout main # Switch to the main branch
git pull origin main # Ensure it is updated
git checkout feature-x # Return to your development branch
git merge main # Merge the latest changes from the main branch into your branch

Push the Branch to the Remote Repository

git push -u origin feature-x # Push your branch to the remote repository

4. Create a Pull Request (PR)

• This is generally done through the GitHub web interface.
• Create a PR from your feature-x branch to the main branch.
• Wait for the code review and PR approval.

5. Review and Merge

• Once the PR is approved, you can merge your branch with main.
• This is also generally done through the GitHub web interface.

6. Deployment

• The exact deployment process depends on how your CI/CD environment is configured.
• In many environments, once a branch is merged with main, an automatic testing and deployment process to production is triggered.

7. Post-Merge Cleanup

Delete the Local Branch

git branch -d feature-x # Delete the local development branch after merging

Update Your Local Main Branch

git checkout main # Switch to the main branch
git pull origin main # Ensure it is updated with recent changes

Delete the Remote Branch (Optional)

git push origin --delete feature-x # Delete the remote branch after merging

Additional Notes

• This is a basic workflow and may vary according to the specific needs of the team.
• CI/CD tools may have their own configuration steps and specific commands.
• Team collaboration and code review are crucial parts of this process.

Mastering Git commands allows you to efficiently and collaboratively manage your projects. By following this workflow, you can significantly improve your development process and contribute more effectively to the success of your projects.