1. What is this?
A branch is a movable label on a line of history. main is the default branch. Creating a branch (git branch feature) and switching to it (git checkout feature, or git switch -c feature) lets you experiment without touching main. Merging later combines the lines.
2. Why do we use it?
Fix a bug while a feature is half-done; try an idea and discard it cleanly. Branches are cheap and disposable.
3. Syntax breakdown
git branch
Lists branches; * marks the current one.
git checkout -b feature
Creates branch feature and switches to it in one step.
git status
Confirm which branch you are on before committing.
5. Common mistakes
- Committing on the wrong branch — check status first.
- Never merging or deleting stale branches — tidy up.
- Fear of branches: they are just labels, safe to create and delete.
Practice task
Create and switch to a branch called experiment, then list branches.
Hint
git checkout -b experiment then git branch
Try it below — tests run automatically when you press Run.
Output
Press Run to see output.
Mini quiz
3 questions. Answer, then check.
1. What is a branch?
2. Which creates and switches in one step?
3. Why work on a branch?