Version Control Best Practices
Guidelines for effective version control using Git and collaborative development.
Git Workflow
Branching Strategy
- Use feature branches for new development
- Maintain a stable main/master branch
- Implement release branches for production
Commit Guidelines
- Write clear, descriptive commit messages
- Make atomic commits (one logical change per commit)
- Use conventional commit format when appropriate
Collaboration
Pull Requests
- Create detailed pull request descriptions
- Request appropriate reviewers
- Address feedback promptly
Code Reviews
- Review code for functionality and style
- Check for security vulnerabilities
- Ensure tests are included
Repository Management
Branch Protection
- Protect main branches from direct pushes
- Require pull request reviews
- Enforce status checks
Repository Structure
- Use clear directory organization
- Include comprehensive README files
- Maintain .gitignore files
Best Practices
Commit History
- Keep commit history clean and readable
- Use interactive rebase when appropriate
- Avoid merge commits in feature branches
Security
- Never commit sensitive information
- Use environment variables for secrets
- Regularly audit repository access
Tools and Integration
Git Hooks
- Use pre-commit hooks for code quality
- Implement pre-push hooks for testing
- Automate formatting and linting
CI/CD Integration
- Trigger builds on commits
- Run automated tests
- Deploy from protected branches