When to Create a New Branch in Git

[Anuj-Befog]

Under what circumstances should you create a new branch in Git, and how does branching improve workflow and collaboration?

[Anuj3553]

Clear and concise commit messages are essential for maintaining an organized and understandable project history. Good commit messages make it easier for collaborators to understand the changes, locate specific updates, and roll back changes when necessary.

Here are some best practices:

Keep it short and focused: Use a single-line summary (50 characters or less) followed by an optional detailed explanation. This makes it easier to skim through commit histories.

Example:

sql
Copy code
Add user authentication API with JWT
Use the imperative mood: Write commit messages as if you're instructing the codebase to make a change. It aligns with Git’s convention and makes logs easier to read.

Example:

Copy code
Fix broken login route
Explain the ‘why’, not just the ‘what’: Provide context for why the change was made, especially if it's not immediately clear from the code.

Example:

vbnet
Copy code
Improve error handling for failed login attempts

• Added try-catch blocks for more specific error logging.
• Avoids showing stack traces to users, improving security.
  Reference related issues: If the commit addresses a specific issue or task, mention it in the message to improve traceability.

Example:

graphql
Copy code
Update styling on profile page (#45)
Group related changes: Each commit should represent a single logical change. Don’t bundle unrelated changes together, as this makes it difficult to understand the purpose of the commit.

By following these practices, teams can improve collaboration, make the project history more accessible, and streamline code reviews. It also helps when debugging issues, as contributors can quickly understand the intent behind changes.