Detailed Explanation of Git Branches: Differences Between the Main/master Branch and Feature Branches

Git branches are a core tool for code management, with the main branch (main/master) and feature branches being the two most critical types. The main branch is the "cornerstone" of the project, storing stable code deployable to production environments. It is stable, reliable, read-only (only accepts merges), and long-lived, serving as the production baseline and merge target. Feature branches are "temporary side paths" for developing new features or fixing bugs. They are created from the main branch (e.g., feature/xxx), temporarily isolate development, focus on a single task, and are merged back into the main branch and deleted upon completion, enabling parallel development and risk isolation. The core differences between them are: the main branch is a stable baseline with temporary isolation; the main branch is the source, while feature branches are based on it; the main branch is read-only, while feature branches allow free development; the main branch exists long-term, while feature branches are discarded after completion. The correct workflow is to create a feature branch from the main branch, develop and test it, then merge it back into the main branch to ensure the stability of the main branch. Proper use of branches can improve efficiency and code quality, avoiding chaos in the main branch.