Branch Strategy Visualizer
Overview
The Branch Strategy Visualizer compares three popular Git branching workflows through visual ASCII diagrams and practical explanations. Understand the differences between Git Flow, Trunk-Based Development, and Feature Branch workflows to help your team choose the right branching model for your project size, release cadence, and deployment process.
Tips
- Choose Git Flow for scheduled releases with multiple long-lived branches and formal QA processes - best for large teams with quarterly releases
- Use Trunk-Based Development for continuous deployment environments where developers integrate multiple times daily with feature flags
- Adopt Feature Branch workflow for open source projects or teams learning Git - it’s simpler than Git Flow but more structured than trunk-based
- Match your branching strategy to your deployment frequency: continuous deployment favors trunk-based, scheduled releases favor Git Flow
- Start with a simpler strategy (Feature Branch or Trunk-Based) and only add complexity (Git Flow) when your team size or release process demands it
- The visual diagrams help communicate your chosen strategy to new team members during onboarding
- Remember that branch lifespan matters: shorter-lived branches (hours to days) reduce merge conflicts and integration issues