Lecture on Git Strategies: Merge, Rebase, and Squash

Introduction

• Common Dilemma: Choosing between git merge, git rebase, and squashing commits.
• Goal: Understanding key differences and determining when to use each.

Context

• Feature Branch Workflow: Synchronizing feature branches with the main branch.
• Key Question: How to integrate changes between branches effectively.

Definitions

Git Merge

• Function: Incorporates changes from one branch into another by creating a "merge commit."
• Visual: Like tying branches together with a knot.
• Pros: Provides a complete picture of branch integration.
• Cons: Can clutter history with many "knots."

Git Rebase

• Function: Moves base of feature branch to latest commit on main, replaying changes.
• Visual: Clean, linear commit history.
• Pros: Neat and organized history.

Squash Commits

• Function: Combines all feature branch commits into a single commit.
• Pros: Maintains linear history while preserving detailed history in feature branch.
• Cons: Loses individual commit details in the main branch.
• Use Case: Popular for tidying history on platforms like GitHub.

Strategies for Integrating Feature Branch into Main

1. Git Merge

   • Creates a new "merge commit" linking branch histories.
   • Results in a cluttered history if used frequently.

2. Git Rebase & Fast-Forward Merge

   • Moves feature changes to main branch tip, aligns history.
   • Visualized as straightening a rope.

3. Squash Commits

   • Consolidates multiple commits into one for clean main branch history.
   • Hybrid approach: detailed history in feature, clean in main.

Conclusion

• Summary:

  • git merge: Complete commit history.
  • git rebase: Tidy, organized history.
  • Squashing: Clean main history, but loses individual commit details.

• Decision Making:

  • Choose based on team values and workflow preference.
  • Squashing is suitable when a clean history is preferred over detailed commit logs.

Call to Action

• Discussion Prompt: Share personal experiences and preferences in using these strategies.
• Subscription: Invitation to subscribe to a system design newsletter for further learning.