Introduction to Git Branching

What is Git Branching?

Imagine you're writing a story and want to try out different endings without losing your original work. In coding, Git branching lets you do just that. It's like creating a new copy of your code where you can make changes, try new ideas, or fix issues, separate from your main code. This way, you can experiment without messing up your original project. Once you're happy with the changes, you can bring them back into your main project, like choosing the best ending for your story.

Why Use Branching Instead of Just Committing?

When you just commit changes, you're adding to your main project. It's like writing your story straight without drafts. Branching lets you work on drafts. You can have different branches for different features or fixes. This keeps your main project stable while you work on improvements. Once you're sure about a branch, you merge it into your main project, combining your drafts into your final story.

Step 1: Setup Your Story Repository

• Fork the Story Repository: Visit coach's GitHub repository for the story and click on "Fork" to create a copy in your account.

• Clone Your Forked Repository: Copy the forked repository to your local machine:

  git clone [URL of your forked repository]

Step 2: Write the Main Story

• Navigate to Your Repository:

  cd [repository name]

• Create a Main Story File:

  touch main-story.txt

• Add a Basic Storyline:

  open main-story.txt

  Write a basic outline of your story, save, and close the file.

• Commit Your Main Story:

  git add main-story.txt
  git commit -m "Add main storyline"

Step 3: Create Different Introductions

Introduction 1

• Create and Switch to 'Intro 1' Branch:

  git checkout -b intro-1

• Write Introduction 1:

  open intro1.txt

  Write the first version of your story's introduction, save, and close.

• Commit Introduction 1:

  git add intro1.txt
  git commit -m "Add Intro 1"

Introduction 2

• Switch Back to Main and Create 'Intro 2' Branch:

  git checkout main
  git checkout -b intro-2

• Write Introduction 2:

  open intro2.txt

  Write the second version of your story's introduction, save, and close.

• Commit Introduction 2:

  git add intro2.txt
  git commit -m "Add Intro 2"

Step 4: Choose and Merge Your Favorite Introduction

• Decide Which Introduction to Use (e.g., Intro 1).

• Merge Your Chosen Introduction into Main:

  git checkout main
  git merge intro-1

Step 5: Finalize and Share Your Story

• Push Your Story to GitHub:

  git push origin main

• Create a Pull Request on GitHub to merge your story into the instructor's repository.