How to Delete a Branch on GitHub?

To delete a branch on GitHub, you can follow these steps:

1. Open GitHub Repository: Open the GitHub repository where the branch you want to delete is located.
2. Navigate to the “Branches” Page: Click on the “Code” tab in the repository. Then, click on the “Branch: main” button (or the name of the default branch) near the top of the page. This will open the “Branches” page.
3. Select the Branch: On the “Branches” page, you’ll see a list of all the branches in the repository. Locate the branch you want to delete.
4. Delete the Branch: To the right of the branch name, there’s a “Delete” button (represented by a trash can icon). Click on the “Delete” button next to the branch you want to delete.
5. Confirm the Deletion: A confirmation dialog will appear, asking you to confirm the deletion of the branch. Make sure you’re deleting the correct branch, as this action cannot be undone. Type the name of the branch you want to delete and then click the “Delete” button.
6. Branch Deleted: After confirming, the branch will be deleted from the repository. You’ll see a notification confirming the deletion.

Note:

• Deleting a branch removes it from the repository, but it doesn’t remove any commits associated with that branch. Commits made on the deleted branch are still accessible from the commit history.
• Deleted branches can be restored for a certain period of time using the “Deleted branches” tab on the “Branches” page.

Always exercise caution when deleting branches, especially if they contain important work. Make sure you understand the consequences of deleting a branch before confirming the action.

Keep in mind that GitHub’s interface can evolve over time, so the exact steps might vary slightly based on updates to the platform’s design and features. If you’re unsure, refer to GitHub’s official documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions.