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name: finishing-a-development-branch description: > Use this skill when implementation is complete and you need to decide how to integrate, keep, or discard a development branch.

Finishing a Development Branch

Intent

Close out work safely by verifying tests, presenting integration options, and cleaning up worktrees consistently.

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When to Use

• After plan execution is complete.
• Before merging, creating a PR, or discarding work.

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Precondition Failure Signal

• Tests have not been run in the branch before integration.
• A merge or PR is created without verification evidence.
• Work is discarded without explicit confirmation.

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Postcondition Success Signal

• Tests pass with fresh evidence.
• One of the approved integration options is chosen.
• Worktrees are cleaned up appropriately.

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Process

1. Verify Tests: Run the project test suite and record results.
2. Determine Base Branch: Confirm merge base (usually main).
3. Present Options:
   • Merge locally.
   • Push and create PR.
   • Keep branch as-is.
   • Discard work (requires explicit confirmation).
4. Execute Choice: Follow the selected path precisely.
5. Cleanup: Remove worktree for options that discard or merge work.

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Example Test / Validation

• Tests pass on the branch before presenting options.

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Common Red Flags / Guardrail Violations

• Skipping verification because "it passed earlier".
• Automatically deleting worktrees without user confirmation.
• Forcing a merge without tests on the merged result.

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Recommended Review Personas

• Tech Lead - validates readiness for integration.
• Release Manager / SRE - validates release/traceability implications.

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Skill Priority

P2 - Consistency & Governance

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Conflict Resolution Rules

• If tests fail, return to systematic-debugging.
• Discarding work requires explicit user confirmation.

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Conceptual Dependencies

• verification-and-handover
• change-risk-rollback

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Classification

Governance
Operational

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Notes

Branch closure is a release decision, not a formality.