branch
An independent line of development within a version control repository, allowing code changes to be isolated from the main codebase until they are ready to be merged.
Full Definition
In Git and similar version control systems, a branch is a lightweight, movable pointer to a specific commit, enabling parallel development without interference. Common branch types include the main (or master) branch, feature branches, release branches, and hotfix branches. The word 'branch' is both a noun and a verb in developer parlance ('to branch off from main'). Editors should be aware that the default branch was historically called 'master' but is now widely renamed 'main'; documentation should reflect the project's actual default branch name. Branching strategies such as GitFlow and trunk-based development are named conventions describing how branches are used.
Usage
Usage note: Lowercase. As a verb, 'to branch' is acceptable in technical documentation. Note the industry shift from 'master' to 'main' as the default branch name; flag outdated usage.
In Context
- "Create a new branch for each feature to keep the main branch stable." — Git workflow guide
- "The release branch was cut from main on Friday afternoon." — Sprint retrospective notes