Use meaningful branch names

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 109 views

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Introduction

As a developer, understanding how to create pull requests (PRs) linked to tasks, integrate changes from branches into the master branch using different workflow integration strategies, and establish traceability between commits and tasks (and pull requests) is crucial for writing high-quality software. This article will guide you through the process of integrating changes from branches into the master branch using different workflow integration strategies, while emphasizing and practicing software engineering techniques.

Acceptance Criteria

1. Creating a Pull Request Linked to a Task

Given a branch with the name task_<ID_of_task_it_implements>_<some_short_task_description> containing changes that are not yet integrated into master, when a new pull request is created (having the base branch master and the compare branch task_<ID_of_task_it_implements>_<some_short_task_description>), then the description of the PR should reference the task it implements (i.e., #<ID_of_task_it_implements>).

To create a pull request linked to a task, follow these steps:

Create a new branch from the master branch with a name that includes the task ID and a short description of the task (e.g., task_1_login_feature).
Make changes to the branch and commit them.
Create a new pull request with the master branch as the base branch and the task branch as the compare branch.
In the pull request description, reference the task it implements by including the task ID (e.g., #1).

2. Integrating Changes into Master using Merge Pull Request

Given the PR for branch task_2_merge, when the branch is integrated into master, then the Merge pull request integration option of the PR should be used, and the commit message should be the default one provided by GitHub (e.g., Merge pull request #<ID_PR> from <yourGitHubUserName>/task_2_merge).

To integrate changes into the master branch using the Merge pull request option, follow these steps:

Create a new branch from the master branch with a name that includes the task ID and a short description of the task (e.g., task_2_merge).
Make changes to the branch and commit them.
Create a new pull request with the master branch as the base branch and the task branch as the compare branch.
In the pull request settings, select the Merge pull request integration option.
The commit message will be the default one provided by GitHub (e.g., Merge pull request #<ID_PR> from <yourGitHubUserName>/task_2_merge).

3. Integrating Changes into Master using Rebase and Merge

Given the PR for branch task_3_rebase, when the branch is integrated into master, then the Rebase and merge integration option of the PR should be used.

To integrate changes into the master branch using the Rebase and merge option, follow these steps:

Create a new branch from the master branch with a name that includes the task ID and a short description of the task (e.g., task_3_rebase).
Make changes to the branch and commit them.
Create a new pull request with the master branch as the base branch and the task branch as the compare branch.
In the pull request settings, select the Rebase and merge integration option.

4. Integrating Changes into Master using Squash and Merge

Given the PR for branch task_4_squash, when the branch is integrated into master, then the Squash and merge integration option of the PR should be used, and the commit message should be the default one provided by GitHub (e.g., Task 4 squash (#<ID_PR>)).

To integrate changes into the master branch using the Squash and merge option, follow these steps:

Create a new branch from the master branch with a name that includes the task ID and a short description of the task (e.g., task_4_squash).
Make changes to the branch and commit them.
Create a new pull request with the master branch as the base branch and the task branch as the compare branch.
In the pull request settings, select the Squash and merge integration option.
The commit message will be the default one provided by GitHub (e.g., Task 4 squash (#<ID_PR>)).

5. Integrating Changes into Master with Link to Task

Given the PR for branch task_5_squash_with_link_to_task, when the branch is integrated into master, then the Squash and merge integration option of the PR should be used, and the commit message should be Closes #5 (#<ID_PR>); In this way, any developer inspecting the commit in master can directly navigate to task #5 or to the PR (to see all the intermediate commits for the implementation).

To integrate changes into the master branch with a link to the task, follow these steps:

Create a new branch from the master branch with a name that includes the task ID and a short description of the task (e.g., task_5_squash_with_link_to_task).
Make changes to the branch and commit them.
Create a new pull request with the master branch as the base branch and the task branch as the compare branch.
In the pull request settings, select the Squash and merge integration option.
In the commit message, include a link to the task by using the Closes #<ID_PR> format (e.g., Closes #5 (#<ID_PR>)).

6. Integrating Changes into Master with Preferred Project Workflow

Given the PR for branch task_6_squash_preferred_project_workflow, when the branch is integrated into master, then the Squash and merge integration option of the PR should be used, and the commit message should be Closes #6 (#<ID_PR>); In this way, any developer inspecting the commit in master can directly navigate to task #6 (which will be referenced by only one "atomic" commit containing the final implementation of the task) or to the PR (which will contain all the intermediate commits for the implementation, without any traceability to the task).

To integrate changes into the master branch with the preferred project workflow, follow these steps:

Create a new branch from the master branch with a name that includes the task ID and a short description of the task (e.g., task_6_squash_preferred_project_workflow).
Make changes to the branch and commit them.
Create a new pull request with the master branch as the base branch and the task branch as the compare branch.
In the pull request settings, select the Squash and merge integration option.
In the commit message, include a link to the task by using the Closes #<ID_PR> format (e.g., Closes #6 (#<ID_PR>)).

Conclusion

In conclusion, integrating changes from branches into the master branch using different workflow integration strategies is a crucial aspect of software development. By following the steps outlined in this article, developers can ensure that their changes are properly integrated into the master branch, while also establishing traceability between commits and tasks (and pull requests). By practicing these workflow integration strategies, developers can write high-quality software that is maintainable, scalable, and efficient.

Additional Tips

Use meaningful branch names: Use branch names that include the task ID and a short description of the task to ensure that the branch is easily identifiable.
Use the correct integration option: Use the correct integration option (e.g., Merge pull request, Rebase and merge, Squash and merge) to ensure that the changes are properly integrated into the master branch.
Use a consistent commit message format: Use a consistent commit message format (e.g., Closes #<ID_PR>) to ensure that the commit message is easily readable and understandable.
Establish traceability between commits and tasks: Establish traceability between commits and tasks (and pull requests) to ensure that developers can easily navigate to the task or PR to see all the intermediate commits for the implementation.

Best Practices

Use a consistent naming convention: Use a consistent naming convention for branch names, commit messages, and task IDs to ensure that the codebase is easily maintainable and scalable.
Use a clear and concise commit message: Use a clear and concise commit message to ensure that the commit message is easily readable and understandable.
Use a consistent integration strategy: Use a consistent integration strategy to ensure that the changes are properly integrated into the master branch.
Establish a clear workflow: Establish a clear workflow to ensure that developers can easily navigate to the task or PR to see all the intermediate commits for the implementation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, integrating changes from branches into the master branch using different workflow integration strategies

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Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the importance of integrating changes from branches into the master branch using different workflow integration strategies. We also outlined the steps to follow for each integration strategy. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to workflow integrating strategies.

Q&A

Q: What is the difference between a merge pull request and a rebase and merge?

A: A merge pull request integrates the changes from the branch into the master branch by creating a new commit that includes the changes from the branch. A rebase and merge, on the other hand, integrates the changes from the branch into the master branch by rebasing the branch onto the master branch and then merging the changes.

Q: What is the difference between a squash and merge and a rebase and merge?

A: A squash and merge integrates the changes from the branch into the master branch by squashing all the commits from the branch into a single commit. A rebase and merge, on the other hand, integrates the changes from the branch into the master branch by rebasing the branch onto the master branch and then merging the changes.

Q: Why should I use a consistent naming convention for branch names, commit messages, and task IDs?

A: Using a consistent naming convention for branch names, commit messages, and task IDs makes it easier to maintain and scale the codebase. It also makes it easier for developers to navigate to the task or PR to see all the intermediate commits for the implementation.

Q: What is the importance of establishing traceability between commits and tasks?

A: Establishing traceability between commits and tasks makes it easier for developers to navigate to the task or PR to see all the intermediate commits for the implementation. It also makes it easier to identify and fix bugs.

Q: How do I establish a clear workflow for integrating changes from branches into the `master` branch?

A: To establish a clear workflow for integrating changes from branches into the master branch, you should:

Define a consistent naming convention for branch names, commit messages, and task IDs.
Use a consistent integration strategy (e.g., merge pull request, rebase and merge, squash and merge).
Establish a clear process for reviewing and approving pull requests.
Use a clear and concise commit message format.
Establish a clear process for resolving conflicts.

Q: What are some best practices for integrating changes from branches into the `master` branch?

A: Some best practices for integrating changes from branches into the master branch include:

Using a consistent naming convention for branch names, commit messages, and task IDs.
Using a clear and concise commit message format.
Establishing a clear process for reviewing and approving pull requests.
Using a consistent integration strategy (e.g., merge pull request, rebase and merge, squash and merge).
Establishing a clear process for resolving conflicts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, integrating changes from branches into the master branch using different workflow integration strategies is a crucial aspect of software development. By following the steps outlined in this article and answering the FAQs, developers can ensure that their changes are properly integrated into the master branch, while also establishing traceability between commits and tasks (and pull requests). By practicing these workflow integration strategies, developers can write high-quality software that is maintainable, scalable, and efficient.

Additional Tips

Use a version control system: Use a version control system (e.g., Git) to track changes to the codebase.
Use a continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline: Use a CI/CD pipeline to automate the build, test, and deployment of the codebase.
Use a code review process: Use a code review process to ensure that changes to the codebase are reviewed and approved by other developers.
Use a testing framework: Use a testing framework to ensure that changes to the codebase are thoroughly tested.
Use a deployment strategy: Use a deployment strategy to ensure that changes to the codebase are properly deployed to production.

Best Practices

Use a consistent naming convention: Use a consistent naming convention for branch names, commit messages, and task IDs to ensure that the codebase is easily maintainable and scalable.
Use a clear and concise commit message: Use a clear and concise commit message to ensure that the commit message is easily readable and understandable.
Use a consistent integration strategy: Use a consistent integration strategy to ensure that the changes are properly integrated into the master branch.
Establish a clear workflow: Establish a clear workflow to ensure that developers can easily navigate to the task or PR to see all the intermediate commits for the implementation.
Use a testing framework: Use a testing framework to ensure that changes to the codebase are thoroughly tested.