Understanding Feature Branches

2 minute read

What is a Git Feature Branch?

Imagine you’re writing a book. You have your main storyline, but you also want to explore a few alternative plots without affecting the main story. In the world of software development, Git branches work similarly. A Git branch allows you to create a separate line of development, where you can make changes, experiment, and test new features without altering the main project.

Why Use Branches?

Branches are incredibly useful for several reasons:

Isolation: They keep your work isolated from the main codebase, so you can experiment freely.
Collaboration: Multiple team members can work on different features simultaneously without interfering with each other’s work.
Version Control: They help manage different versions of your project, making it easier to track changes and revert if necessary.

Switching Branches

Switching branches means moving from one line of development to another. You can do this using the Git command line or GitHub Desktop application. Here’s how:

Using Git Command Line

Open your terminal: This could be Command Prompt, PowerShell, or any terminal application you prefer.
Navigate to your project directory: Use the cd command to change directories to your project’s folder.
```
 cd PowerApps-TestEngine
```
List all branches: To see all the branches in your repository, use the following command:
```
 git branch
```
This will list all branches, with an asterisk (*) next to the branch you are currently on.
Switch to another branch: To switch to a different branch, use the checkout command followed by the branch name. For example:
```
 git checkout branch-name
```
Replace branch-name with the name of the branch you want to switch to. For example, if you want to switch to a branch named integration, you would use:
```
 git checkout integration
```
Verify the switch: You can verify that you have switched branches by listing the branches again:
```
 git branch
```
The asterisk (*) should now be next to the branch you switched to.

Using GitHub Desktop

Open GitHub Desktop: Launch the GitHub Desktop application on your computer.
Select your repository: In the GitHub Desktop interface, select the repository you want to work on from the list of repositories.
View branches: Select on the “Current Branch” button at the top of the window. This will show a dropdown list of all branches in your repository.
Switch branches: From the dropdown list, select on the branch you want to switch to. GitHub Desktop will automatically switch to that branch and update the files in your local repository.

Conclusion

Understanding and using Git branches can greatly enhance your workflow, whether you’re working alone or as part of a team. By isolating changes, facilitating collaboration, and maintaining version control, branches make it easier to manage and develop complex projects. Switching branches is straightforward, whether you prefer using the Git command line or the GitHub Desktop application.

Feel free to explore and experiment with branches to see how they can benefit your use of the automated testing features!