What is a Branch?

A branch is a lightweight, movable pointer to a specific commit. Branching lets you diverge from the main codebase, work in complete isolation, and merge back when ready. Creating a branch costs almost nothing.

01.Why Branches Matter

Without branches, every developer would edit the same codebase simultaneously causing constant conflicts and broken code. With branches: develop features in isolation, fix bugs without touching in-progress features, experiment freely and discard if needed. Each branch is independent until you choose to merge.

Branch Visualization

main

feature

HEAD

02.The HEAD Pointer

HEAD is a special pointer that always marks your current position in the repository — the commit your next change will be built upon. Usually HEAD points to a branch name. When you commit, HEAD and the branch pointer both move forward to the new commit together.

Commit Timeline

a1b2c3d

init

b2c3d4e

feat

c3d4e5f

fix

d4e5f6a

HEAD

Commands

commands — click to reveal output

git branch

List all local branches (* marks current)

▼ show output

git branch -a

List local AND remote-tracking branches

▼ show output

git log --oneline --graph --all

Visualize the entire branch structure

▼ show output

KNOWLEDGE CHECK

What is a Git branch technically?

Rate this lesson:

Previous Next Lesson