Git flow vs. Trunk-Based Development
Below is the side by side comparison between Git-Flow and Trunk Based Development:
Feature |
Git Flow |
Trunk Based Development |
---|---|---|
Branching Model |
Complex branching model with multiple branches ( |
Simple branching model with a primary focus on a single branch ( |
Release Cycle |
Structured release cycle with dedicated branches for feature development, release preparation, and hotfixes. |
Emphasizes continuous integration with releases made directly from the main branch. Features are often developed in short-lived branches. |
Stability |
Promotes a more stable |
Emphasizes continuous integration, and the main branch is expected to be in a releasable state at all times |
Isolation of features |
Features are developed in separate branches ( |
Features are often developed in short-lived branches, providing isolation and quick integration into the main branch. |
Complexity |
Introduces additional complexity and overhead due to multiple branch types and the need to manage merges between them. |
Simpler and minimizes the number of long-lived branches, reducing the complexity of the version control system. |
Continuous Integration |
Integrated into the workflow but not the primary emphasis. Feature branches are merged into |
Primary focus on continuous integration, with developers frequently merging changes into the main branch to ensure a continuously releasable state. |
Release Requirements |
Suitable for projects with strict release schedules and the need to manage multiple versions simultaneously. |
Well-suited for continuous delivery approaches with a focus on frequent, smaller releases. |
Risk Tolerance |
Provides more controlled integration, reducing the risk of conflicts and instability in the main branches. |
Seen as riskier due to the frequent integration into the main branch. Requires robust testing and automation. |
Considerations for Choosing:
- Team Size and Structure:
- Git Flow may be suitable for larger teams with a structured development process, while Trunk Based Development might be more agile and suitable for smaller teams.
- Release Requirements:
- Git Flow may be preferable for projects with strict release schedules and version management needs. Trunk Based Development is ideal for continuous delivery approaches.
- Risk Tolerance:
- Teams with a lower tolerance for integration risks may find Git Flow more reassuring, while teams emphasizing continuous integration may lean towards Trunk Based Development.
Trunk-Based Development in Software Development
In earlier days of software development, programmers didn’t have the richness of modern version control systems but they developed two versions of their software concurrently as it means of monitoring small changes and backing them if possible and only in necessary conditions. As time increases it has become more costly, and inefficient.
At present various version control systems are developed and managed. It made it more mature, and various departments have merged which enables programmers to find bugs or errors more easily. As of today most developers hold one of the two development models in order to deliver quality software which is Git flow and trunk-based development. Trunk-based development is an additional open model since all developers have easier access to the main code which also enables teams to implement CI/CD and so on.