Git workflows shape how teams collaborate on code. GitFlow's structured branches suit release-based software, while trunk-based development enables continuous deployment. Understanding tradeoffs helps teams select workflows matching their deployment patterns and team dynamics.
Trunk-Based Development
Trunk-based development keeps all work on the main branch with short-lived feature branches. This approach suits teams practicing continuous deployment, requiring robust testing and feature flags. Small, frequent integrations reduce merge conflicts and enable rapid iteration.
- Feature branches should live no longer than a few days before merging
- Require comprehensive automated testing since all changes deploy continuously
- Use feature flags to hide incomplete work in production
- Enforce code review but keep reviews small and fast
- Trunk-based works best with mature testing and deployment automation
When GitFlow Makes Sense
GitFlow's release branches suit software with scheduled releases or multiple supported versions. Mobile apps awaiting store approval, on-premise software, and products requiring formal release processes benefit from structured branching. The ceremony is overhead for web applications deploying continuously.