# Git Workflow Best Practices

Git is an essential tool for modern software development. Here are some best practices for an effective Git workflow.

## Branching Strategy

### Main Branches

- **main/master**: Production-ready code
- **develop**: Integration branch for features

### Supporting Branches

- **feature/**: New features
- **bugfix/**: Bug fixes
- **hotfix/**: Urgent production fixes

## Commit Messages

Good commit messages are crucial:

```
Add user authentication system

- Implement JWT token generation
- Add login and logout endpoints
- Create user session middleware
```

Follow the 50/72 rule:
- First line: 50 characters or less
- Body: Wrap at 72 characters

## Commands

### Creating a Feature Branch

```bash
git checkout -b feature/new-feature develop
```

### Committing Changes

```bash
git add .
git commit -m "Add feature description"
```

### Merging

```bash
git checkout develop
git merge --no-ff feature/new-feature
git branch -d feature/new-feature
```

## Tips

1. **Commit Often**: Make small, logical commits
2. **Pull Regularly**: Stay in sync with the team
3. **Review Before Commit**: Use `git diff` to check changes
4. **Use .gitignore**: Don't commit build artifacts or secrets

## Advanced Features

### Interactive Rebase

Clean up commit history:

```bash
git rebase -i HEAD~3
```

### Stashing

Save work in progress:

```bash
git stash
git stash pop
```

### Cherry-pick

Apply specific commits:

```bash
git cherry-pick <commit-hash>
```

Master Git, and you'll be a more effective developer!