Git Is Simple. Team Git Is Not.
Git itself is straightforward. But when 5 developers are pushing code to the same repository? That's where things get messy. Here's the workflow that's saved my sanity.
The Branch Strategy
Main branches:
main- production code, always deployabledevelop- integration branch for features
Feature branches:
feature/user-authenticationfeature/payment-integrationbugfix/login-redirect
The Rules
1. Never push directly to main - always use pull requests
2. One feature per branch - keep branches small and focused
3. Pull from develop before pushing - reduce merge conflicts
4. Write meaningful commit messages - your future self will thank you
Commit Message Format
type(scope): short description
feat(auth): add Google OAuth login
fix(cart): resolve quantity update bug
docs(readme): update installation steps
refactor(api): simplify error handling
Handling Merge Conflicts
1. Stay calm (seriously)
2. Pull the target branch into your feature branch regularly
3. Communicate with your team about which files you're touching
4. Use VS Code's merge conflict resolver - it's excellent
Code Review Best Practices
- Review within 24 hours
- Focus on logic and architecture, not style
- Ask questions instead of making demands
- Approve when it's good enough, not perfect
A good Git workflow isn't about following rules blindly. It's about making collaboration predictable and painless.
