Description: Branch cleaning is the process of removing old or unused branches from a repository. This process is fundamental in managing software development projects, especially in collaborative environments where multiple developers may create and work on different branches of the same project. The accumulation of obsolete branches can lead to confusion, hinder navigation, and increase clutter in the repository. Branch cleaning not only improves code organization but also optimizes the performance of the version control system by reducing the amount of data that needs to be managed. Additionally, it facilitates the identification of active and relevant branches, allowing developers to focus on the work that truly matters. This process can be performed manually or automated through continuous integration tools, which allow setting policies for the automatic removal of branches that have not been updated within a certain period. In summary, branch cleaning is an essential practice for maintaining the health and efficiency of a code repository, ensuring that the development environment remains clean and manageable.
