How to Set Up GitHub Branch Protection Rules: Step-by-Step Guide

Every developer who has worked on a team knows Git—it’s the go-to version control system for a reason. It’s designed to help teams collaborate seamlessly, allowing multiple developers to work on separate branches.

But, while Git is great for sharing code, it doesn’t inherently protect against the risks of accidental mistakes.

For instance, what happens if someone unintentionally deletes an important branch or pushes code that hasn’t been reviewed?

Without protection, branches can be vulnerable to issues like untested code, overwritten commit history, or even security flaws slipping into the repository.

This is where branch protection steps in to save the day. By establishing branch protection rules in GitHub, you can prevent developers from making risky changes, ensuring that your codebase remains clean and secure without compromising collaboration.

In this tutorial, let’s show you the step-by-step process with a demo on 'How to Configure Branch Protection Rules for all Branches in GitHub'.

Let’s get started!

How to Configure Branch Protection Rules for all Branches in GitHub

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Steps to follow:

1. Click on the "Settings" tab in the repository's top menu.

2. In the settings sidebar, scroll down and click on "Branches" under the "Code and automation" section.

3. Give a meaningful name for "Ruleset".

"The ruleset name is important because it helps you identify and manage different branch protection rules within your repository."

4. Scroll down to the target area, click "Add Target", and then select "Include all branches".

5. Click on "Create" to save your protection rules on your branches.

That's it! You have successfully set up branch protection rules for all branches in GitHub.

Conclusion

Think of branch protection rules as the guardrails of your development process. With these rules in place, you can prevent accidental or harmful changes from being merged into your critical branches. By taking the time to set up these rules now, you’re safeguarding your team’s work and avoiding future headaches, while still enabling smooth collaboration.