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| title | date | url | tags | draft | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Version Control Best Practices | 2025-02-15T16:45:00+00:00 | /blogs/version-control-best-practices/ |
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Version control is the backbone of modern software development. While most developers know how to use git, following best practices can make collaboration smoother and your project history more useful.
Commit Messages Matter
Good commit messages are crucial for understanding project history. Follow these guidelines:
- Use the imperative mood ("Add feature" not "Added feature")
- Keep the first line under 50 characters
- Provide context in the body if needed
- Reference issue numbers when applicable
Branching Strategy
Choose a branching strategy that fits your team and stick to it. Popular options include:
- Git Flow: Feature branches, develop, and main branches
- GitHub Flow: Simple feature branches off main
- Trunk-Based Development: Short-lived feature branches
Atomic Commits
Each commit should represent a single logical change. This makes it easier to:
- Understand what changed and why
- Revert specific changes if needed
- Cherry-pick commits to other branches
- Review code changes
Code Review Culture
Make pull requests manageable:
- Keep PRs small and focused
- Write descriptive PR descriptions
- Respond to feedback constructively
- Use draft PRs for work-in-progress
Tags and Releases
Use semantic versioning and tag releases properly. Your future self (and team) will thank you.
Conclusion
These practices aren't just about following rules - they're about making your life and your team's lives easier. Start implementing them one at a time until they become second nature.