Please explain git merge and git branch

Git Merge: Merging in Git combines different branches of code into one. It takes the changes from one branch and applies them to another, creating a unified codebase. It’s used to incorporate new features or bug fixes from separate branches into the main branch.

Git Branch: Branches in Git allow for separate lines of development. They create independent pointers to specific commits, enabling developers to work on different features or experiments without affecting the main codebase. Branches are useful for parallel development and organizing the development process.