How to Successfully Create a New Branch from the Master Branch on GitHub- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Create a New Branch from Master in GitHub

Creating a new branch from the master branch in GitHub is a fundamental skill for any developer. It allows you to work on new features or fix bugs without affecting the main codebase. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create a new branch from the master branch in GitHub.

Step 1: Open GitHub Desktop or GitHub Web Interface

The first step is to access your GitHub repository. You can do this by opening GitHub Desktop or by navigating to your repository on the GitHub web interface.

Step 2: Clone the Repository

If you haven’t already, clone the repository to your local machine. This will allow you to make changes and create branches. To clone the repository, click on the “Code” button and then select “Clone with HTTPS” or “Clone with SSH.”

Step 3: Navigate to the Repository Directory

Once the repository is cloned, navigate to the repository directory on your local machine using your terminal or command prompt.

Step 4: Create a New Branch

To create a new branch from the master branch, use the following command in your terminal or command prompt:

“`
git checkout -b new-branch-name
“`

Replace “new-branch-name” with the desired name for your new branch. This command creates a new branch and switches to it at the same time.

Step 5: Make Changes and Commit

Now that you are on the new branch, you can make changes to the code. Once you are done, commit your changes using the following command:

“`
git commit -m “Commit message”
“`

Replace “Commit message” with a description of the changes you made.

Step 6: Push the Branch to GitHub

To share your new branch with others, push it to the GitHub repository using the following command:

“`
git push origin new-branch-name
“`

This command pushes the new branch to the remote repository on GitHub.

Step 7: Create a Pull Request

To merge your new branch into the master branch, create a pull request. On the GitHub web interface, navigate to the “Pull requests” tab and click on “New pull request.” Select the master branch as the base branch and your new branch as the compare branch. Fill in the pull request description and submit it.

Conclusion

Creating a new branch from the master branch in GitHub is a straightforward process. By following these steps, you can work on new features or fix bugs without disrupting the main codebase. Remember to push your changes and create a pull request to merge your branch into the master branch. Happy coding!