Git Branching, Fast-Forward & Merge Conflict Resolution
Create feature branches, perform Fast-Forward and 3-Way merges, and resolve inline conflict markers cleanly.
Branch Pointers & Conflict Resolution
### Git Branching Mechanics
In Git, a branch is simply a 41-byte light reference pointer to a commit hash. When merging branches:
- **Fast-Forward Merge**: Target branch has no divergent commits; main pointer simply moves forward.
- **3-Way Merge**: Divergent commits exist; Git creates a new merge commit combining changes.