Branch: A separate line of work in a repository, so you can make changes without affecting the main code until they are ready.
Example
You create a branch called feature/password-reset for your task.
Why Branch matters for IT interns
Teams almost never work directly on the main code. Working on branches is standard practice.
Where you will hear it
You will use this term almost daily when working on code with a team, through Git, GitHub, or a similar tool. If someone uses it and you are not sure what they mean in your project, it is completely fine to ask; every team uses terms a little differently.
Related terms
- .gitignore: A file that tells Git which files or folders not to track, such as build output, local settings or secret…
- Clone: Downloading a full copy of a remote repository, including its history, to your own computer.
- Commit: A saved snapshot of your changes in Git, with a short message describing what you changed.
- Feature Branch: A branch created for one specific feature, fix or task.
- Fork: Your own copy of someone else’s repository on GitHub or a similar service, which you can change without…
- Git: The tool most software teams use to keep track of every change made to the code.
Previous term: Blocker | Next term: Bug
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is Branch?
A separate line of work in a repository, so you can make changes without affecting the main code until they are ready.
What is an example of Branch?
You create a branch called feature/password-reset for your task.
Why does Branch matter for IT interns?
Teams almost never work directly on the main code. Working on branches is standard practice.
Explore more internship terms
The IT Internship Glossary explains 199 terms you will hear before and during your internship, with simple definitions and real examples.
Browse all 199 terms
About the author
Dhaivat has 16+ years of experience in the IT industry, working on AI and cloud technologies, project delivery, and engineering leadership. He has interviewed and mentored many interns, wrote The Lost Intern, and runs the non-commercial Career Impact Initiative, mentoring students for free.