finishing-a-development-branch

Finishing a development branch requires verifying tests pass before presenting a clear merge path. The workflow enforces test success and offers four options: merge locally, push a pull request, keep, or discard the branch.

The best way to manage git workflow cleanup is to select a base branch and choose from four structured outcomes. After executing your merge or pull request, the workflow performs optional cleanup tasks like removing worktrees when appropriate.

Yes, you can merge a git branch locally. The workflow presents exactly four options for finishing work: merge locally, push and create a pull request, keep the branch as-is, or discard it entirely with optional cleanup.

The branch management workflow determines the appropriate base branch automatically during the finishing process. It establishes explicit guardrails to ensure safe git commands and pull request workflows are executed correctly against the identified base.

When you discard a development branch, the workflow executes optional cleanup actions. This includes cleaning up worktrees when appropriate to ensure your local environment remains organized after the branch is removed.