AI agent coding for ESP-IDF workshop - Optional: Git workflow for agent-assisted development

Git workflow for agent-assisted development

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This lecture is optional. If you already use branches, review diffs, and create small commits confidently, you can skip it.

AI agents make version control more important because a single request can change several files. A simple Git workflow gives you checkpoints, makes review easier, and lets you separate agent-generated changes from unrelated work.

Start from a known state

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Before asking an agent to make a substantial change, check the working tree:

git status
git diff

Understand or commit existing changes first. This prevents a new task from becoming mixed with unfinished work.

Use a branch for each feature

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Create a branch before implementation:

git switch -c feat/led-blink

Useful branch prefixes include:

Keep the default branch in a stable state. Do not ask an agent to delete branches, discard changes, rewrite history, or force-push unless you understand and explicitly approve the effect.

Review before committing

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After the agent finishes, inspect the complete change:

git status
git diff

Check that every changed file belongs to the task, generated files are intentional, and no credentials or build artifacts were added. Build and test the affected project before committing.

Commit working checkpoints

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Commit after each coherent, verified state instead of waiting until the end of a large task:

git add <files>
git commit -m "feat: add configurable LED blink"

Small commits make it easier to review the agent’s work, compare behaviour between steps, and recover from a later mistake.

Let the agent help with Git

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An agent can explain a diff, select files related to the current task, and draft an accurate commit message. For example:

Review the current Git diff. Identify any changes unrelated to this task,
summarise the remaining changes, and propose a concise commit message.
Do not stage or commit anything.

When you are ready to commit, ask explicitly and review the listed files first. The agent should not commit, push, or modify history unless you requested that action.

Next step

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