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What does "merge" mean in programming?
merge is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.
Definition
To combine the changes from one Git branch into another. Merging is how completed feature branches get integrated into the main codebase.
Example
"Please merge the feature branch into main after the review."
Word forms
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| merge | verb (infinitive) | To combine two branches into one | "Merge the feature branch when the review is approved." |
| merged | past tense | Already combined into the target branch | "That pull request was merged yesterday." |
| merging | gerund | In the process of combining branches | "Merging this branch will cause conflicts." |
Related terms
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