Day-10 | Git Branching Strategy | Real World Example | DevOps Interview Question|#devops #k8s #2023

Introduction to Git Branching Strategy

Overview of the Course

• Abhishek introduces the video as Day 10 of a complete DevOps course, encouraging viewers to watch previous days for foundational concepts.

• He emphasizes the importance of understanding Git branching strategy, which is frequently featured in DevOps interviews.

Importance of Timely Releases

• The primary goal for organizations is to deliver new features and updates to customers promptly, enhancing customer satisfaction.

• Regular release cycles (e.g., every month or two months) are crucial for maintaining user engagement with products like Amazon or Flipkart.

Understanding Branching Strategy

Theoretical and Practical Insights

• The session will cover both theoretical explanations and practical examples using Kubernetes as a case study.

• Kubernetes is chosen due to its large contributor base (around 3300), showcasing effective collaboration in software development.

Benefits of Learning from Kubernetes

• Observing how Kubernetes manages contributions can provide insights into efficient branching strategies applicable in personal projects and interviews.

What is a Branch?

Definition and Purpose

• A branch represents a separation in code development, allowing developers to work on new features without affecting existing functionality.

Example: Calculator Application

• When introducing significant changes (like adding advanced features), developers create a new branch instead of modifying the main code directly.

Practical Example: Uber's Development Process

Case Study on Feature Addition

• Using Uber as an example, if they want to add bike services alongside cabs, they would create a separate branch for this feature.

• This approach allows multiple developers to work on new functionalities while ensuring that existing services remain stable until ready for deployment.

Understanding Branching in Git

Introduction to Feature Branches

• The speaker introduces a scenario involving a GitHub repository for a calculator application, highlighting the need for changes based on customer feedback.

• Multiple developers decide to add new features to the existing application, necessitating the creation of separate branches to avoid conflicts with ongoing work.

• A new feature branch is created (e.g., "feature XYZ") to accommodate significant changes without disrupting the main branch.

Purpose and Process of Feature Branches

• Developers continue working on their feature branches until they are confident in their functionality; then, they merge these branches back into the main or master branch.

• Organizations may have multiple feature branches simultaneously, each representing different functionalities or enhancements being developed.

Transitioning from Feature Branches to Release Branches

• The concept of release branches is introduced as a means of delivering stable versions of applications to customers while active development continues on other branches.

• Release branches are created when developers are satisfied with testing results and ready to deliver code, ensuring that no new changes disrupt this process.

Importance of Release Branches

• The speaker emphasizes that building applications from release branches rather than directly from the master branch helps maintain stability during testing phases.

• By isolating development activities in release branches, teams can ensure that only tested and approved features reach customers without interference from ongoing developments.

Practical Example: Kubernetes Repository

• The discussion shifts towards Kubernetes as an example, illustrating how it employs similar branching strategies within its official GitHub repository.

Branching Strategies in Software Development

Overview of Branching in Version Control

• Changes are merged back to the master branch, allowing for the deletion of feature branches once integrated.

• A new release branch (e.g., release 1.27) is created for testing and development, while active development continues on the master branch.

Types of Branches

• Key types of branches include:

• Master Branch: The main codebase.

• Feature Branches: For developing new features.

• Release Branches: For preparing a version for customers.

• Hotfix Branches: For urgent fixes needed in production.

Hotfix Management

• Hotfix branches allow for quick changes that can be tested and delivered rapidly, often lasting only a few days.

• Changes made in hotfix branches must be merged into both the master and release branches to ensure consistency.

Importance of Keeping Master Updated

• The master branch should always reflect the latest code changes from all other branches to serve as a reliable reference point.

• All changes from feature, release, or hotfix branches should eventually cascade back to the master branch.

Practical Example: Uber's Development Process

• An example using Uber illustrates branching strategies:

• Initially focused on cabs, Uber later decided to expand into bikes by creating a feature branch called "feature_bikes."

• After successful development and testing, changes from the bike feature were merged back into the master branch while continuing enhancements on cab features.

Expanding Features Over Time

Branching Strategy in Software Development

Overview of Branching Strategy

• The speaker explains the process of branching from the Master branch, creating a new branch called "release V3" for testing and shipping to customers.

• Clarification on common questions regarding branching strategies, including feature branches, release branches, and the main branch.

Hotfix Branches

• Introduction to hotfix branches as short-lived projects created to address urgent bugs reported after a version release (e.g., V3).

• Hotfix branches are merged into all relevant branches, including master and any active release branches.

Feature Branches

• Definition of feature branches: used when introducing significant changes or new features to existing functionality.

• Emphasis on the master trunk or main branch being consistently updated and maintained.

Practical Application

• Encouragement to explore open-source repositories (like Docker, Kubernetes, Istio, Jenkins) to observe their branching strategies as examples of best practices in various organizations.

Engagement with Audience