How to create a release branch strategy

Ever found yourself tangled in a maze of code changes, unsure of what's ready for deployment and what's still a work in progress? You're not alone. Managing releases can be tricky, especially when multiple developers are pushing updates simultaneously.

But hey, there's a solution! A solid release branch strategy can bring order to the chaos. In this blog, we'll explore how to create one that keeps your deployments smooth and your codebase stable.

Understanding release branching

So, what's release branching all about? It's a strategy where you dedicate a branch specifically for preparing a software version for deployment. By isolating the release process from ongoing development, you ensure code stability and keep everyone focused. Release branches let developers polish the current version without disrupting the main branch.

Now, how does this differ from other strategies? Unlike GitFlow, which juggles multiple branches for features, releases, and hotfixes, or trunk-based development where everyone works directly on the main branch using feature flags, release branching strikes a balance. It provides a dedicated space for stabilizing code before deployment.

By carving out this space, you enable focused testing and bug fixing. This approach ensures your codebase is stable and ready for production when the time comes. Release branches effectively prep your software for deployment by minimizing risks and keeping quality in check.

At Statsig, we've found that choosing the right Git branching strategy depends on factors like project scale and how often you release. For projects with structured release cycles, a well-defined release branch strategy can really streamline things. It provides a clear path from development to production, ensuring code stability every step of the way.

Related reading: Announcing Statsig's new JavaScript SDKs

Building your release branch strategy

Ready to create a release branch? Start by checking out your main or development branch and making sure it's up-to-date. Use a clear naming convention like release-<version_number> for the new branch—this enhances clarity and enables automation. Keep the release branch focused by cherry-picking only the necessary commits from the development branch, concentrating on critical fixes and enhancements.

Don't forget to regularly merge the release branch back into the main branch. This keeps everything aligned and healthy, capturing any fixes made during the release process. Pull requests are your friends here—they facilitate code reviews and ensure changes align with your project goals without introducing regressions.

Rigorous testing within the release branch is crucial. It helps prevent regressions and makes sure the codebase is rock-solid and ready for production. Automated testing and continuous integration catch issues early and maintain a deployable state. Remember, the key to a successful release branch strategy is balancing stability and agility, allowing for reliable releases while accommodating ongoing development.

Best practices for managing release branches

Let's talk feature flags. They're a powerful tool for controlling feature deployment without multiple commits. Feature flags let you enable or disable specific functionalities, offering flexibility to roll out or disable features if issues pop up. This way, you can manage features without cluttering your commit history.

Implementing continuous integration and automated testing is a must for maintaining code stability in release branches. Every change to the release branch should trigger automated builds and tests, ensuring the codebase remains production-ready. This continuous feedback loop helps catch issues before they become big problems.

Effective conflict resolution and merging strategies are essential to keep your code intact. Address merge conflicts promptly by comparing conflicting code and deciding which changes to keep. Pull requests facilitate code reviews, ensuring changes align with project goals and don't introduce regressions.

A clear naming convention for release branches—like release-v1.2.3—helps with quick identification and smoother automation processes. Automated regression testing ensures that changes don't introduce new issues or mess up existing functionalities.

At Statsig, we've seen how these best practices can make a real difference in managing release branches effectively.

Addressing challenges and enhancing your strategy

Long-lived branches can become outdated, causing merge headaches and cluttering your repository. To avoid this, regularly review and clean up stale branches. Keep the codebase tidy and manageable.

Tools like GitLab and GitHub offer robust features for efficient release branch management. They provide built-in CI/CD pipelines for automating testing, integration, and deployment processes.

Incorporating automation and agile practices can seriously streamline your release process. Automation tools can create branches automatically, run tests, and notify developers of issues—ensuring a consistent branching process. Agile methodologies fit naturally with release branching, allowing each sprint to end with a potential release and keeping your software always in a releasable state.

Integrating release branching into a continuous delivery pipeline takes things a step further. By automating the flow from development to production, you ensure code changes are always production-ready, reducing deployment risks. This approach enables faster iterations and more frequent releases, keeping your software up-to-date and responsive to user needs.

Closing thoughts

A solid release branch strategy is key to smooth deployments and a stable codebase. By isolating the release process, implementing best practices, and embracing automation, you can keep your development agile while ensuring quality. Whether you're a small team or a large organization, these principles can help you navigate the complexities of software releases.

If you're interested in learning more, check out Statsig's resources on choosing the right Git branching strategy and how to integrate feature flags for better control. Hope you find this useful!