How to Change Default Branch in GitHub?

How to Change Default Branch in GitHub?

Understanding Default Branches

Before we delve into the process of changing the default branch, let's understand the significance of default branches in GitHub repositories.

Default Branch Purpose

The default branch serves as the starting point for development and collaboration within a repository. When users clone a repository or navigate to it on GitHub, they are often directed to the default branch. It is where the most recent stable codebase is expected to reside.

Default Branch Naming

Historically, GitHub used "master" as the default branch name. However, this terminology has been scrutinized for its potentially exclusionary connotations. To promote inclusivity and neutrality, many users and organizations opt to rename the default branch to "main" or another suitable alternative.

Steps to Change Default Branch

Now, let's walk through the process of changing the default branch in GitHub.

1. Navigate to Repository Settings

• Log in to your GitHub account and locate the repository for which you want to change the default branch.
• Once you're in the repository, navigate to the "Settings" tab. It's usually located near the top-right corner of the repository page.

2. Access Branches Settings

• Within the repository settings, find the "Branches" section on the left sidebar.
• Click on the "Branches" option to access settings related to repository branches.

3. Select Default Branch

• In the "Branches" settings, you'll see a dropdown menu labeled "Default branch."
• Click on the dropdown menu to reveal a list of existing branches in the repository.

4. Choose New Default Branch

• From the list of branches, select the branch you want to set as the new default.
• GitHub allows you to choose any existing branch in the repository as the default.

5. Update Default Branch

• After selecting the new default branch, scroll down to the bottom of the page.
• Look for a button or option that allows you to save or update the changes. The specific wording may vary slightly, but it typically involves confirming the selection.

6. Confirm Changes

• GitHub may prompt you to confirm the change, especially if it involves renaming the default branch.
• Review the changes carefully to ensure they align with your intentions, then proceed to confirm the update.

Best Practices and Considerations

While changing the default branch in GitHub is a simple process, there are some best practices and considerations to keep in mind.

1. Communication

• Before changing the default branch, communicate the decision with collaborators and contributors.
• Notify them of the upcoming change and provide instructions if necessary, especially if they need to update their local repositories.

2. Update Documentation

• If your project has documentation that references the default branch, ensure that it reflects the new default branch name.
• Update any README files, contribution guidelines, or documentation repositories to reflect the change.

3. CI/CD Pipelines

• If your project utilizes continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, ensure they are configured to use the new default branch.
• Update any settings or configurations within your CI/CD platform to reflect the change.

4. Redirects and Links

• If you have external links or references pointing to the old default branch, consider setting up redirects or updating the links to point to the new default branch.
• This ensures that external users and automated systems can still access the relevant resources without disruption.

5. Branch Protection Rules

• If you have branch protection rules configured for the default branch, ensure that they are updated accordingly.
• Review and adjust any required permissions, status checks, or code review requirements for the new default branch.

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