This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by rashidpbi
While working with Git branches like develop and main, it’s common to frequently merge changes. But did you know that doing so with regular merges can break a linear commit history?
Here’s what I learned today 
Problem
If you keep merging from develop to main using regular git merge, Git will create merge commits, leading to a non-linear (branched) commit history.
This can make git log harder to read, especially in large projects.
How to Maintain a Linear History
To ensure a clean, straight commit history on main, use one of these strategies:
1. Rebase Before Merge
git checkout develop
git rebase main # Replay develop commits on top of main
git checkout main
git merge --ff-only develop # Fast-forward only
This avoids merge commits and keeps the history linear.
2. Use Squash Merging (Optional)
If you want to combine all develop changes into a single commit before merging:
git checkout main
git merge --squash develop
git commit
Useful for condensing work into one clean commit.
3. Use Fast-Forward Merges Only
Prevent accidental merge commits:
git merge --ff-only develop
Final Tip
Repeat this pattern consistently to keep main clean and linear — great for production branches and readable history.
Tags: #git #github #versioncontrol #devtips #100DaysOfDev
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by rashidpbi