branch-createlisted

# Create a database branch Create an isolated database branch for feature development. ## Usage ```bash xata branch create --name <branch-name> xata branch wait-ready <branch-name> ``` ## Example ```bash # Create a branch for a new feature xata branch create --name feature/user-roles # Wait for the branch to be ready xata branch wait-ready feature/user-roles # Get the connection string for the new branch xata branch url feature/user-roles # Update .env.local with the new connection string ``` ## How it works Xata branches use **copy-on-write** technology: - Branch creation is instant (regardless of database size) - Storage is shared with the parent until data diverges - Each branch has its own connection string - Branches can automatically hibernate when inactive ## Best practices - Use descriptive branch names: `feature/`, `fix/`, `experiment/` - Delete branches when done: `xata branch delete --name <branch-name>` - Use `xata branch list` to see all branches - Use `xata branch tree` for a visual hierarchy ## Switching branches To work with a different branch, update `DATABASE_URL` in `.env.local`: ```bash # Get connection string for a specific branch xata branch url <branch-name> ```