Protected branch

Learn what a protected branch does.

What Is a Protected Branch?

On GitHub, a protected branch is a branch where specific rules prevent uncontrolled direct changes. It is commonly used to protect important branches such as main from accidental modifications or deletion. Branch protection is configured in repository settings.

main
  ├── Changes are reviewed
  ├── Rules are enforced
  └── Safe merging is performed

These rules ensure that team members follow the same standards.

Rules Enforced by Branch Protection

Branch protection can restrict direct pushes, require reviews before merging, and require specific checks to succeed. It can also provide options that prevent accidental branch deletion or history changes. The selected rules depend on the project's needs.

main:
  require_pull_request: true
  prevent_deletion: true

The purpose of these rules is not to stop development, but to make important changes controlled.

Exercise Protect the Main Branch

Define a protection rule for the main branch. Set require_pull_request and prevent_deletion to true under rules. This ensures that changes go through pull requests and the branch cannot be deleted.

Show example solution

main:
  rules:
    require_pull_request: true
    prevent_deletion: true

Test yourself

Which setting should be used to prevent direct changes to the main branch in a team?
- Creating a new tag
- Branch protection rules
- Changing the repository description
- Viewing Git history
Show answer

Branch protection rules — Branch protection rules restrict which operations are allowed on important branches.

Direct Push Protection

main:
  rules:
    ____: true

Show answer

main:
  rules:
    require_pull_request: true

Branch Protection Options

Dal koruması

Restricts operations on a branch
Pull request zorunluluğu

Requires a PR before merging
Silme koruması

Prevents branch deletion
Doğrudan push

Can be restricted by protection

Next lesson: Required review

We Are Enhancing Your Experience

Cookie Preferences

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Analytical Cookies