Git Flow Design Systems

Git flow design systems apply the git flow branching model to manage releases and development. This structured approach uses multiple long-lived branches and defined workflows for features, releases, and hotfixes. Git flow provides clear processes for teams managing complex release requirements.

What Is Git Flow for Design Systems

Git flow is a branching model that prescribes specific branch types and workflows. The model defines main and develop as permanent branches, with feature, release, and hotfix branches created as needed. Each branch type has rules about where it branches from and merges to.

For design systems, git flow provides structure for managing parallel development of features while maintaining stable releases. The model suits design systems with scheduled releases, multiple supported versions, and formal release processes.

How Git Flow Design Systems Work

Git flow organizes work through specific branch types with defined lifecycles and merge rules. Understanding each branch type enables effective use of the model.

Main branch contains production-released code. Every commit on main represents a released version, tagged appropriately. Direct commits to main are prohibited; code reaches main only through merges from release or hotfix branches.

Develop branch accumulates completed features awaiting release. Feature branches merge to develop when complete. Develop represents the state of the next release in preparation. It should always be in a potentially releasable state.

Feature branches isolate individual feature development. They branch from develop and merge back to develop when complete. Feature branches can have any name describing the work. Multiple feature branches can be active simultaneously.

Release branches prepare specific versions for publication. They branch from develop when enough features are complete. Bug fixes and polish happen on release branches. When ready, release branches merge to both main and develop.

Hotfix branches address urgent production issues. They branch from main, receive fixes, and merge to both main and develop. This enables fixing production without disturbing development work.

Key Considerations

• Maintain develop in a releasable state at all times
• Use release branches for stabilization, not feature development
• Hotfixes must merge to both main and develop
• Tag releases on main for clear version identification
• Consider tooling to automate git flow workflows

Common Questions

Is git flow appropriate for all design systems?

Git flow suits design systems with certain characteristics but may be overkill for others. The model adds complexity that should provide proportional benefit.

Scheduled releases benefit from git flow’s release branch mechanism. Teams releasing continuously may find the overhead unnecessary since every merge could trigger release without staging on a release branch.

Multiple supported versions benefit from git flow’s structure. The hotfix mechanism enables patching released versions while development continues. Teams supporting only the latest version have simpler needs.

Team size affects appropriateness. Larger teams benefit from git flow’s structure preventing conflicts. Smaller teams may find the process overhead burdensome. Evaluating team needs honestly helps choose appropriately.

How can teams simplify git flow for design systems?

Simplified git flow variations reduce complexity while retaining benefits. Common simplifications include eliminating the develop branch or automating workflows.

Eliminating develop makes main the integration branch. Features merge to main, and releases branch from main. This reduces branch count and simplifies the mental model. The tradeoff is that main may contain unreleased features.

Automation through tools like git-flow CLI or GitHub flow automation reduces manual steps. Automated branch creation, merge workflows, and cleanup make the process less burdensome. Automation also enforces consistency.

Adapting based on experience is appropriate. Starting with full git flow and simplifying where overhead exceeds benefit customizes the model to actual needs.

Summary

Git flow design systems apply structured branching to manage releases and development. The model defines specific branch types with clear workflows for features, releases, and hotfixes. While comprehensive, git flow may be simplified based on actual team needs and release patterns.