> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://jadelab.gitbook.io/jadegit/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://jadelab.gitbook.io/jadegit/0.18.0/developers/branches.md).

# Branches

Branches are lightweight pointers to specific commits, representing independent lines of development within a repository. They let developers work on features or fixes in isolation, safely experimenting without affecting the main codebase.

## Manage Branches

The **Manage Branches** option in the JadeGit Changes repository menu shows a window with all local and remote branches. The history table on this window displays a graph and commit information such as the message, author, and date.

<figure><img src="/files/mMLBDahh38cmHX7jRwAW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

From here, you can switch branches (double-click), and perform additional actions via the branch context menu (refer to sub-pages). While holding Ctrl or Shift, you can also select up to five branches to be viewed in the commit history graph.

## View History

The **View History** option provides a simpler view, showing the commit history for the current branch. This lets you quickly see changes and understand the timeline of development for a single branch.

<figure><img src="/files/maOUIQaKTzLFsdYhicm8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>