🔀 Merge vs Rebase — Which to Use?
Both integrate changes. Merge preserves history. Rebase creates clean history. Choose wisely.
❌ Merge (Messy)
* Merge commit |\ | * Feature commit | * Feature commit * Main commit * Main commit
✅ Rebase (Clean)
* Feature commit * Feature commit * Feature commit * Main commit * Main commit
📝 When to Use
# Use Merge When - Feature branch is public - Multiple developers work on branch - Want to preserve history - Need to see actual timeline # Use Rebase When - Feature branch is local - Need clean, linear history - Before merging to main - Reviewing commit history # Merge Command git checkout main git merge feature-branch # Rebase Command git checkout feature-branch git rebase main # Best Practice - Rebase local branches - Merge shared branches - Don't rebase shared branches - Keep history readable # Merge vs Rebase - Merge: Preserves branch history - Rebase: Linear, clean history - Merge: Easier to understand - Rebase: Better for code review
💡 Merge vs Rebase Tips
- Rebase local branches before merge
- Don’t rebase shared branches
- Merge for public branches
- Keep history readable
- Consider team workflow
“Merge preserves history, Rebase cleans it. Choose based on needs. Essential for Git workflow.”