GitHub Flow
What it is
GitHub Flow is a lightweight collaboration workflow: create a short-lived branch, make focused changes, open a pull request, validate/review it, merge it to the default branch, and deploy from that branch.
Why it exists
It creates a visible, reviewable flow of work with frequent integration. The pull request becomes the place where code, tests, discussion, linked work, and automation meet.
Key ideas
- Keep branches small and short-lived; integrate frequently to reduce merge risk.
- Protect the default branch with required reviews and automated checks appropriate to the change risk.
- Link pull requests, commits, deployments, incidents, and work items to preserve traceability.
- GitHub Flow is not the answer for every release model; regulated or long-supported versions may need release branches and an explicit hotfix policy.