How to Merge Two Branches in GitHub Desktop
Merging branches is an essential part of the Git workflow, especially when working on a team. GitHub Desktop, the official desktop application for GitHub, simplifies the process of merging branches, making it accessible even for those who are new to Git. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to merge two branches in GitHub Desktop, ensuring a smooth and efficient collaboration experience.
Step 1: Open GitHub Desktop
First, open GitHub Desktop on your computer. If you haven’t installed it yet, you can download it from the GitHub website. Once installed, launch the application and log in with your GitHub account.
Step 2: Select the repository
After logging in, you will see a list of your repositories. Select the repository where you want to merge the branches. This will open the repository’s interface in GitHub Desktop.
Step 3: Open the branch menu
In the repository’s interface, click on the “Branches” tab. This will display a list of all branches in your repository. Find the branches you want to merge and click on the menu icon (three dots) next to the target branch where you want to merge the changes.
Step 4: Choose the merge option
In the dropdown menu, select “Merge into [Target Branch Name].” This will start the merge process, and GitHub Desktop will prompt you to choose the source branch to merge.
Step 5: Select the source branch
Click on the “Select source branch” dropdown menu and choose the branch you want to merge into the target branch. This branch should contain the changes you want to incorporate into the target branch.
Step 6: Review the changes
GitHub Desktop will now display a diff view, showing the differences between the source and target branches. Review the changes to ensure that everything looks correct before proceeding.
Step 7: Commit the merge
Once you’re satisfied with the changes, click on the “Commit” button. You will be prompted to enter a commit message describing the merge. This message will be used to document the changes in your repository’s commit history.
Step 8: Confirm the merge
After entering the commit message, click on the “Merge” button to complete the merge process. GitHub Desktop will create a new merge commit that combines the changes from the source branch into the target branch.
Step 9: Push the changes to GitHub
Finally, to update the remote repository on GitHub with the merged changes, click on the “Push” button. This will push the merged branch to the remote repository, making the changes available to other collaborators.
Congratulations! You have successfully merged two branches in GitHub Desktop. By following these steps, you can ensure a seamless and efficient collaboration process with your team.
