branching

Branching is the process by which a starting point divides into two or more paths or outcomes. It is a general concept used across disciplines to describe divergence from a common origin, enabling alternative futures, structures, or representations.

In computer science, branching refers to points in a program where execution may follow different paths depending on conditions. Conditional statements (if, else, switch) create branches in control flow; search and optimization algorithms explore branches in decision trees; the term branch factor describes the number of alternatives considered at a decision point.

In software development, branching describes creating parallel lines of development within a version control system. Feature branches, release branches, and hotfix branches support isolated work; merging integrates changes back into the main line, with potential conflicts to resolve.

In data structures and graph theory, branches correspond to outgoing edges from a node, forming trees and networks. The branching factor measures how many children a node has; branching structures are common in natural and artificial systems, influencing efficiency and depth.

In other contexts, branching appears in biology as patterns of growth in trees and vascular networks; in probability as branching processes describing reproduction; in linguistics and cognitive sciences as hierarchical, branching representations of syntax or thought.