# Trunk-based development

- Show: [The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast)
- Published: 2025-02-19
- Length: 50m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-02-19-trunk-based-development
- Listen: https://agileembeddedpodcast.com/episodes/trunk-based-development-ErQXRQsT

## Summary

Hosts Jeff Gable and Luca Kijewski discuss trunk-based development, a software practice where code is merged into the main branch daily, contrasting it with traditional branching models like GitFlow. They explain how this approach acts as a forcing function for better engineering practices, such as automated testing and the use of feature flags, to manage incomplete code. The hosts argue that while it exposes integration issues early, it ultimately reduces risk and improves team collaboration, citing research from the book 'Accelerate' that links this practice to high-performing teams.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-02-19-trunk-based-development#t=0) Introduction: Jeff Gable and Luca Kijewski on Trunk-Based Development
- [2:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-02-19-trunk-based-development#t=129) Version Control Mechanics and the Flaws of GitFlow
- [7:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-02-19-trunk-based-development#t=474) Defining Trunk-Based Development and Feature Flags
- [14:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-02-19-trunk-based-development#t=889) The Dangers of Feature Flag Accumulation
- [21:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-02-19-trunk-based-development#t=1307) Applying Trunk-Based Development to Embedded Systems
- [27:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-02-19-trunk-based-development#t=1641) Addressing Common Objections to Trunk-Based Development
- [38:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-02-19-trunk-based-development#t=2320) Benefits: Risk Reduction, Smaller Changes, and Team Cohesion
- [47:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-02-19-trunk-based-development#t=2839) Evidence from 'Accelerate' and Minimum CD

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- GitFlow (other)
- The nvie branching model (other)
- Accelerate (other)
- Minimum CD (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [109: Resurrection of Extreme Programming (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2018-10-12-109-resurrection-of-extreme-programming-repeat) (Embedded.fm)
- [109: Resurrection of Extreme Programming](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-15-109-resurrection-of-extreme-programming) (Embedded.fm)
- [440: Condemned to Being Perfect](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-01-13-440-condemned-to-being-perfect) (Embedded.fm)
- [250: Yolo Snarf (Repeat)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-04-08-250-yolo-snarf-repeat) (Embedded.fm)
- [S7E14 Brad & Aaron | How To Accelerate The Speed of Engineering (Episode 3 of 3)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-03-27-s7e14-brad-aaron-how-to-accelerate-the-speed-of-engineering-episode-3-of-3) (Being an Engineer)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-02-19-trunk-based-development. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast.