Git merge combines the history of one branch into another. It reconciles differences between branches by creating a merge commit or performing a fast-forward update when possible. Merge conflicts occur when changes overlap, requiring manual resolution. Merging allows teams to integrate feature work into the main repository safely.
Why it matters
Merging is essential for collaboration in any multi-developer environment. Understanding merge behavior helps prevent conflicts, preserve history, and maintain a clean codebase. Merge strategies also influence CI/CD pipelines and deployment readiness.
Examples
Using git merge feature/login merges that branch into the current one. Lessons like Merging Basics explain how merges behave in practice.