Git Quick Loops

Just the order. See the full sheet for what each button does.

Stage = pick files for the commit (VS Code + / Desktop checkbox). Publish Branch first time on a branch → Push/Sync after.

1) Solo

(optional) new feature branch
   → edit → save → stage → commit
   → Publish Branch (first time) / Push (after)
   → repeat
finish:
   → switch to main → merge feature in → push main → delete branch

No PRs needed.

2) Team (Git Flow)

switch to dev → Sync (get latest)
   → new feature branch off dev
   → edit → save → stage → commit
   → Publish Branch (first time) / Sync (after)
   → repeat
stay fresh (do this often!):
   → refresh dev (Sync) → merge dev into your feature branch
finish:
   → open PR/MR: feature → dev
   → review → merge
   → switch to dev → Sync → delete feature branch
release:
   → PR/MR: dev → main

Update feature from dev: whenever dev moves, and ALWAYS before opening your PR.

VS Code: … → Branch → Merge Branch… → dev
Desktop: Branch → Update from dev (one click)

3) Contributing (fork)

ONE-TIME:
   fork on website → clone your fork → add upstream (the original)
EACH CONTRIBUTION:
   switch to main → pull from upstream → new feature branch
   → edit → save → stage → commit
   → Publish Branch (goes to YOUR fork)
   → open PR: your fork → upstream
   → address feedback (push more to same branch, PR auto-updates)
   → maintainer merges
keep fork current:
   main → pull from upstream → push (updates your fork)

origin = your fork · upstream = the original.

Add upstream — VS Code: … → Remote → Add Remote. Desktop: automatic (“Update from parent”).

Universal reminders

● dot on tab = unsaved → save before commit
Hollow circle = local only · Filled = pushed
Shared branch = pull before you push (Sync does this)
GitLab = use VS Code, not GitHub Desktop ```