Git is the backbone of modern software development, but the workflow you choose can make a big difference in team velocity and code quality. Here are the most common approaches.
Feature Branch Workflow
Each feature lives in its own branch. When done, you open a pull request and merge to main after review. Simple and effective for most teams.
Gitflow
Gitflow uses dedicated branches for features, releases, and hotfixes. It's more structured and works well for projects with scheduled release cycles.
Trunk-Based Development
Everyone commits to main (trunk) multiple times per day, relying on feature flags to hide incomplete work. Preferred by high-velocity teams practicing continuous deployment.
Tips for Any Workflow
- Write clear commit messages in imperative mood: "Add user auth" not "Added user auth"
- Keep PRs small and focused — they're easier to review
- Rebase over merge for a cleaner history when appropriate
- Protect your main branch with required reviews and status checks