What is GitFlow?
Turkish: GitFlow
GitFlow is a Git workflow that assigns separate roles to main, develop, feature, release, and hotfix branches for controlled releases.
What is GitFlow?
GitFlow is a release management model that gives Git branches specific roles. main represents production, develop integrates the next release, feature branches contain new work, release branches prepare a version, and hotfix branches carry urgent production fixes.
How Does It Work?
New work is usually developed in a feature branch created from develop. When the work is ready, it is merged back through a merge request or pull request. Before a release, a release branch is created for final testing, version changes, and small fixes. After release, it is merged into both main and develop.
If a critical production issue appears, a hotfix branch is created from main. After the fix is released, the change is also brought back to develop so it is not lost in the next version.
When Is It Useful?
GitFlow fits teams with planned release cycles, multiple supported versions, or approval steps such as mobile app store review.
For continuously deployed web products, it can be too heavy. As CI/CD matures, short-lived branches and trunk-based development may be a better match. The workflow should follow the team’s release rhythm.
Related Terms
CI/CD makes software releases repeatable by moving code changes through automated build, test, and deployment pipelines.
Feature BranchA feature branch keeps new work in a separate Git branch, making experiments, reviews, and merges easier to control.
Merge Request / Pull RequestA merge request asks teammates to review, discuss, and approve branch changes before they are merged into a main code line.