# Finishing A Development Branch > Use when all implementation tasks are complete and verified - provides structured workflow to verify tests, present merge options, and execute cleanup - Skill: `tomevault-io/finishing-a-development-branch-17` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/finishing-a-development-branch-17` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/finishing-a-development-branch-17/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Productivity - Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/finishing-a-development-branch-17 --- # Finishing a Development Branch ## Overview Verify tests pass, present options, execute choice, and clean up. **Core principle:** Test verification before any merge or PR action. ## The Process ### Step 1: Verify Tests **Before anything else, verify tests pass:** Run appropriate test command for project type. **Cannot proceed with merge/PR until tests pass.** ### Step 2: Present Options Present exactly four choices: 1. **Merge back to base branch locally** 2. **Push and create Pull Request** 3. **Keep the branch as-is for later** 4. **Discard the work entirely** Keep explanations minimal - just present options. ### Step 3: Execute Choice Based on user selection: - **Option 1:** Merge, remove worktree - **Option 2:** Push, create PR, preserve worktree - **Option 3:** No changes, preserve worktree - **Option 4:** Confirm (require typed "discard"), then remove worktree ### Step 4: Cleanup Remove worktrees only for: - Option 1 (merge) - Option 4 (discard) Preserve worktrees for: - Option 2 (PR creation) - Option 3 (keep branch) ## Safety Measures - **Test gate:** Must pass before any merge/PR - **Discard confirmation:** Requires typed confirmation - **Selective cleanup:** Only removes worktrees when appropriate ## Common Pitfalls - Skipping test verification - Asking vague follow-up questions - Automatic cleanup that removes needed worktrees --- > Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/asadullah48) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.