3.3 Understanding Bitbucket Branching Models: Git Flow, Feature Branching, and More

Taming the Branch: Understanding Bitbucket Branching Models

So you’re diving into the world of Bitbucket, and you’re hearing a lot about branching models. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds! Branching models are simply strategies for managing different versions of your code and collaborating effectively with your team. Think of them as different recipes for how you handle your project’s development.

This post will break down some popular branching models in Bitbucket, making them easy to understand, even if you’re just starting out.

Why Branching Models Matter

Imagine everyone on your team working directly on the same codebase. Chaos, right? Branching models help avoid this by:

• Isolating Changes: Preventing broken code from affecting the main project.
• Collaborative Development: Allowing multiple developers to work on features simultaneously.
• Version Control: Tracking changes and easily reverting to previous versions if needed.
• Bug Fixing: Providing a structured way to address issues without disrupting ongoing development.

The Three Musketeers of Branching Models

Let’s explore three common branching models: Git Flow, Feature Branching, and a simplified variation often called the “Simple Flow.”

1. Git Flow: The Organized Architect

Git Flow is a well-defined, structured model designed for projects with scheduled releases. It uses two primary branches:

• main (or master): Represents the production-ready code. Only thoroughly tested and stable code lands here.
• develop: The integration branch for ongoing development. All feature branches are merged into this branch.

Plus these supporting branches:

• feature/*: For developing new features. Branched from develop and merged back into develop.
• release/*: For preparing a release. Branched from develop, bug fixes are applied, and then merged into both main and develop.
• hotfix/*: For quickly fixing critical bugs in production. Branched from main, fixed, and merged back into both main and develop.

Git Flow Diagram:

                                    (Hotfix)
                                       |
                                       v
   *--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*  main (Production)
   |                                        ^     |
   |                                        |     (Release)
   |                                        |
   *--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*  develop (Integration)
       |                  ^
       |                  |
       *--*--*--*--*--*--*  feature/my-awesome-feature

When to use Git Flow:

• Projects with scheduled releases.
• Projects requiring strict version control.
• Teams comfortable with a more complex workflow.

Bitbucket Support: Bitbucket has plugins and extensions that can help automate parts of the Git Flow process.

2. Feature Branching: The Agile Approach

Feature Branching is a simpler model focused on developing features in isolation. It revolves around the main branch and feature branches.

• main (or master): Represents the production-ready code.
• feature/*: For developing new features. Branched from main and merged back into main once complete and tested.

Feature Branching Diagram:

   *--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*  main (Production)
   |                               ^
   |                               |
   *--*--*--*--*--*--*  feature/another-feature
   |
   *--*--*--*--*--*  feature/amazing-new-feature

When to use Feature Branching:

• Projects with continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD).
• Teams that prioritize rapid development and frequent deployments.
• Simpler projects where a more complex workflow isn’t needed.

Bitbucket Support: Bitbucket’s pull request feature works seamlessly with feature branching, allowing for code reviews and collaboration.

3. Simple Flow (or GitHub Flow): The Minimalist

Simple Flow (sometimes called GitHub Flow) is the most straightforward model. It’s perfect for smaller projects or teams that prioritize simplicity.

• main (or master): Represents the deployable code.
• feature/*: For any change – features, bug fixes, everything. Branched from main and merged back into main after review and passing tests. Deploy immediately after merge.

Simple Flow Diagram:

   *--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*--*  main (Deployable)
   |                               ^
   |                               |
   *--*--*--*--*  feature/fix-urgent-bug
   |
   *--*--*--*  feature/new-ui-design

When to use Simple Flow:

• Small projects or teams.
• Continuous deployment environments.
• When simplicity and speed are paramount.

Bitbucket Support: Bitbucket’s pull requests and branch permissions are ideal for managing Simple Flow.

Choosing the Right Model

The best branching model depends on your project’s needs and your team’s preferences.

• Complexity: Git Flow is the most complex, Simple Flow is the simplest, and Feature Branching falls in between.
• Release Schedule: Git Flow is well-suited for scheduled releases, while Feature Branching and Simple Flow are better for continuous delivery.
• Team Size: Smaller teams might find Simple Flow sufficient, while larger teams might benefit from the structure of Git Flow.

Key Takeaways

• Branching models provide structure for managing code changes and collaboration.
• Git Flow, Feature Branching, and Simple Flow are popular models with different strengths.
• Choose the model that best fits your project’s needs and your team’s workflow.
• Bitbucket provides excellent support for all of these branching models.

Next Steps

1. Experiment: Try implementing different branching models in a small test project.
2. Team Discussion: Discuss the pros and cons of each model with your team to find the best fit.
3. Leverage Bitbucket Features: Explore Bitbucket’s pull requests, branch permissions, and automation tools to streamline your branching workflow.

Happy branching!