What steps can you take to ensure code stability before merging to the main branch?

1 Use a feature branch

One of the first steps to ensure code stability is to use a feature branch for each task or feature that you work on. A feature branch is a separate branch that you create from the main branch and use to implement and test your code changes. This way, you can isolate your work from the rest of the team and avoid conflicts or errors in the main branch. When you finish your feature, you can merge it back to the main branch after reviewing and testing it.

2 Write and run tests

Another important step to ensure code stability is to write and run tests for your code changes. Tests are pieces of code that check if your code works as expected and meets the requirements. There are different types of tests, such as unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests, that cover different aspects of your code functionality and performance. You should write tests for every feature that you implement and run them before and after merging to the main branch. Tests can help you catch bugs, errors, and regressions in your code and prevent them from affecting the main branch.

4 Review your code

Before merging to the main branch, you should review your code and make sure that it meets the expectations and criteria of your task or feature. You should also check if your code is compatible with the main branch and if it introduces any conflicts or dependencies. You can use a tool like Git diff or a graphical interface to compare your feature branch with the main branch and see the changes that you made. You can also use a code review tool or a platform like GitHub or GitLab to request feedback from your peers or supervisors on your code changes and improve them based on their suggestions.

5 Use a continuous integration tool

A continuous integration tool is a tool that automates the process of building, testing, and deploying your code changes. Using a continuous integration tool can help you ensure code stability by running your tests and code linter every time you push your code changes to the feature branch or the main branch. This way, you can catch any errors or failures before they affect the main branch or the production environment. You can also use a continuous integration tool to enforce code quality standards and policies and prevent merging to the main branch if your code changes do not pass the tests or the code linter.

6 Test your code in a staging environment

The final step to ensure code stability is to test your code changes in a staging environment before merging to the main branch. A staging environment is a replica of the production environment that you use to simulate the real-world conditions and scenarios of your application. Testing your code in a staging environment can help you verify that your code works as expected and does not cause any issues or side effects in the production environment. You can also use a staging environment to perform user acceptance testing and get feedback from your customers or stakeholders on your code changes and features.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?