Should I create a new Git branch locally or on GitHub first?

It’s generally better to create a new Git branch locally first and then push it to GitHub. Here’s why:

1. Create the Branch Locally First

Creating a branch locally gives you full control and flexibility before sharing it with others. The workflow typically looks like this:

1. Create the branch locally:

   git checkout -b new-branch-name

2. Work on your changes.
3. Commit your changes:

   git add .
   git commit -m "Description of changes"

4. Push the branch to GitHub:

   git push origin new-branch-name

Benefits of Creating Locally First:

• Control: You have the opportunity to make changes and commits before sharing the branch on GitHub.
• Avoiding Mistakes: It’s easier to catch and fix any mistakes locally before making the branch visible to others.
• History: Commits will already be in place when you push, giving collaborators more context about your changes.

2. Create the Branch on GitHub First

You can also create a branch directly on GitHub and then fetch it locally:

1. Create a new branch on GitHub via the web interface.
2. Fetch and check out the branch locally:

   git fetch origin
   git checkout -b new-branch-name origin/new-branch-name

When to Create on GitHub First:

• Collaboration: If you need to create a branch quickly for collaboration (e.g., for someone else to start working on it immediately), creating it on GitHub first can make sense.
• Protection: Sometimes, teams enforce branch protection policies (e.g., on the main branch). Creating branches on GitHub might automatically apply those policies.

Summary:

• Local First: Provides flexibility, control, and is the most common practice for individual developers or when working on a feature before sharing it.
• GitHub First: Useful for initiating collaboration quickly or if your team has specific branch management policies.

In most cases, creating the branch locally first is the preferred approach.