# Overview of Branches

## ![](https://1800549522-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FRpUu5iMlzMFAudyBvMOl%2Fuploads%2FG5ZbxX918xOHwbAwAJ4n%2FSummary2-Small-Icon.svg?alt=media\&token=da26a67f-ff7f-47b3-8669-06be960dc2d7) Overview <a href="#overview" id="overview"></a>

Branches in DevOps can be accessed from the **Code** page, which displays all available branches in the project. Each branch serves as a working copy of the codebase, allowing for independent modifications. Users can search for branches, apply filters by ownership or activity, and sort them by the latest updates.

The starting point is the **main** branch, directly synced from your Production org, serving as the single source of truth and the foundation for all development work. Developers create feature branches from the Main Branch, providing isolated workspaces while maintaining alignment with Production.

<figure><img src="https://1800549522-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FRpUu5iMlzMFAudyBvMOl%2Fuploads%2FZ23PAhcT3nHIw5nqSCJT%2FOverviewOfBranches-01.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3f9a9ef8-9349-4952-b026-9b495c96eb12" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}

#### Best Practices

* Use descriptive branch names (e.g., **feature/new-approval-process**) to make collaboration easier.
* Regularly review **Behind/Ahead** counts to keep branches up to date with the main branch.
* Close or clean up stale branches to maintain a healthy repository.
  {% endhint %}

## Create Branch

To create a new branch, click the **Create Branch** button and select a source branch. For detailed instructions on creating a new branch, see the following article.

* [creating-a-branch](https://docs.flosum.com/devops/code/managing-branches/creating-a-branch "mention")

## Branches Table

The **Branches** table shows key details for each branch:

<table><thead><tr><th width="179.99993896484375">Branch Value</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td>The branch's name (e.g., main, ReleaseBranch).</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Created By</strong></td><td>The user who last updated to the branch.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Last Activity</strong></td><td>The timestamp of the most recent commit or update.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Behind / Ahead</strong></td><td>The number of commits the branch is behind or ahead of the source branch. In most cases, this will be the <strong>main</strong> branch.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Pull Requests</strong></td><td>The linked pull requests associated with the branch.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Branch Filters <a href="#branch-filters" id="branch-filters"></a>

You can filter the table using the options directly above the table.

<table><thead><tr><th width="180">Filter</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>All</strong> </td><td>Displays all branches.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Yours</strong></td><td>Shows only branches you created or own.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Active</strong> </td><td>Displays branches recently updated.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Stale</strong> </td><td>Shows only branches without recent activity.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Searching and Sorting <a href="#actions" id="actions"></a>

* **Search branches** – quickly locate a branch by name.
* **Sort by activity** – reorder branches by latest updates.

## Selecting a Branch

To view more details about a branch and perform actions on the branch, click the branch. For comprehensive documentation on branches, see the following sections:

[branch-actions](https://docs.flosum.com/devops/code/branch-actions "mention")

[Broken link](https://docs.flosum.com/devops/code/broken-reference "mention")