Master Branch
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A Master Branch is a software code branch that serves as the main and often most stable branch in a version control system, typically used for production-ready code and releases.
- Context:
- It can (typically) be the default branch in many version control systems like Git, where the latest stable code resides.
- It can (often) act as the destination for Pull Request (PR)s after features, bug fixes, or other changes have been reviewed and tested.
- It can be protected by requiring code reviews, passing automated tests, and other checks before allowing changes to be merged.
- It can be synonymous with the main branch, especially in systems transitioning away from the term "master" to more inclusive terminology.
- It can serve as the basis for creating other branches like Feature Branches, Hotfix Branches, and Release Branches.
- It can be periodically merged into or rebased with other branches to ensure consistency and stability across the codebase.
- It can represent the stable and deployable state of the software, ensuring that the code in this branch is always ready for production.
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- Example(s):
- One that holds the stable, production-ready code, which is deployed to live environments.
- One in a Git repository where all the finalized and tested code changes are merged.
- A stable branch in a continuous integration setup, ensuring that only passing builds are deployed.
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- Counter-Example(s):
- A development branch where ongoing and potentially unstable changes are made before being tested and merged into the master branch.
- A feature branch used for specific feature development that is regularly rebased with the master branch for updates.
- An experimental branch for testing out new ideas and concepts, which may not be stable or production-ready.
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- See: master Git Branch, Pull Request (PR), Destination Branch, Feature Branch, Hotfix Branch, Release Branch