Mastering full-stack development means understanding how to use version control with Git and managing dependencies with npm. Both are really important. Here are some best practices to keep in mind.

Git Best Practices

1. Commit Often: Try to make small and regular commits with clear messages. This helps you keep track of changes easily. For example:

   • Instead of saying "updated files," say "fixed bug in user login."

2. Use Branches: Make separate branches for new features and bug fixes. This helps keep the main branch safe and stable. A good way to organize could be:

   • main for code that is ready to go live.
   • dev for code you are currently working on.
   • feature/xyz for new features you are adding.

3. Pull Requests: Always use pull requests when you want someone to review your code. This helps people work together and keeps the code quality high.

npm Best Practices

1. Use .gitignore: Make sure to have a .gitignore file in your project. This file helps you avoid adding node_modules to your commits. You can easily recreate this folder with npm install.

2. Semantic Versioning: Use semantic versioning for your packages in package.json. This means:

   • Use ^ for updates that will work with your current code.
   • Use ~ for small updates. This keeps your app stable while still allowing it to be updated.

3. Lock File Management: To make sure everyone has the same setup, always commit your package-lock.json file. This file locks the versions of the dependencies, ensuring nothing changes unexpectedly.

By following these best practices, full-stack developers can have smoother workflows and create better projects!