How do you share code in an agile environment?

1 Use a version control system

A version control system (VCS) is a tool that tracks the changes made to the code over time and allows you to revert, compare, and merge them. A VCS also enables you to create branches, which are separate copies of the code that you can work on independently and then merge back into the main branch. Using a VCS helps you avoid losing or overwriting your code, resolve conflicts, and collaborate with other developers. Some popular VCS tools are Git, Subversion, and Mercurial.

2 Follow a branching strategy

A branching strategy is a set of rules and guidelines that define how and when you create, use, and merge branches in your VCS. A branching strategy helps you organize your code, manage your features, and release your software. There are different types of branching strategies, such as feature branching, release branching, and trunk-based development. You should choose a branching strategy that suits your team size, project complexity, and release frequency. For example, feature branching is a common strategy for agile teams, where each feature is developed on a separate branch and merged into the main branch after testing and review.

3 Adopt a code review process

A code review is a practice where other developers examine your code and provide feedback on its quality, functionality, and readability. A code review helps you improve your code, catch bugs, enforce standards, and learn from others. You can use a code review tool, such as GitHub, Bitbucket, or Gerrit, to facilitate the code review process. You should follow some code review best practices, such as keeping your changes small and focused, writing clear and descriptive commit messages, and addressing the feedback promptly and respectfully.

4 Implement a continuous integration system

A continuous integration (CI) system is a tool that automatically builds, tests, and verifies your code every time you push it to your VCS. A CI system helps you detect and fix errors early, ensure your code is always ready to deploy, and save time and resources. You can use a CI tool, such as Jenkins, Travis CI, or CircleCI, to set up and run your CI pipeline. You should follow some CI best practices, such as running frequent and fast tests, using a consistent coding style, and reporting the results clearly and accurately.