How to Create a New Branch in TFS Visual Studio 2019
Creating a new branch in TFS Visual Studio 2019 is an essential step in managing your source code effectively. Branching allows you to isolate changes and experiment with new features or bug fixes without affecting the main codebase. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a new branch in TFS Visual Studio 2019.
Step 1: Open Visual Studio 2019
First, open Visual Studio 2019 on your computer. Ensure that you have already connected to your TFS server and have access to the repository where you want to create the new branch.
Step 2: Navigate to Source Control Explorer
In the Visual Studio menu, click on “View” and then select “Source Control Explorer” to open the Source Control Explorer window. This window will display the list of branches and files in your repository.
Step 3: Right-click on the Branches Folder
In the Source Control Explorer window, locate the “Branches” folder. Right-click on this folder to open a context menu.
Step 4: Select “Create Branch…”
From the context menu, choose “Create Branch…” to open the “Create Branch” dialog box. This dialog box allows you to specify the details for the new branch.
Step 5: Set the Branch Details
In the “Create Branch” dialog box, you will need to provide the following information:
– Source Branch: Select the branch from which you want to create the new branch. This will be the base for your new branch.
– Target Branch: Enter the name of the new branch you want to create. Make sure the name is descriptive and follows your branch naming conventions.
– Path: Specify the path to the new branch if necessary. This is optional and depends on your project structure.
– Start a New Branch from this Commit: Choose the commit from which you want to create the new branch. This can be helpful if you want to create a branch from a specific point in the code history.
Step 6: Click “Create Branch”
After providing the necessary details, click the “Create Branch” button to create the new branch. Visual Studio will create the branch and display it in the Source Control Explorer window.
Step 7: Merge Changes into the New Branch
Now that you have created the new branch, you can start making changes in it. To merge changes from the main branch or another branch into your new branch, follow these steps:
– Right-click on the new branch in the Source Control Explorer window.
– Select “Merge…” from the context menu.
– Choose the branch you want to merge changes from.
– Follow the merge wizard to complete the merge process.
Conclusion
Creating a new branch in TFS Visual Studio 2019 is a straightforward process that helps you manage your source code effectively. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create a new branch and start working on new features or bug fixes without affecting the main codebase.
