git branch -d / -D: Usage, Options & Common CI Errors

git branch -d safely deletes a merged branch; -D forces deletion regardless of merge state.

Branch cleanup is routine after merges. The -d/-D distinction is a safety gate: -d refuses to drop unmerged work, while -D overrides that check.

What it does

git branch -d deletes a local branch only if it is fully merged into its upstream or HEAD. git branch -D (a synonym for --delete --force) deletes it unconditionally, discarding any commits unique to it.

Common usage

git branch -d feature           # only if merged
git branch -D feature           # force, even if unmerged
git branch -d -r origin/old     # delete a remote-tracking ref locally
git branch --merged main | grep -v '\*' | xargs -r git branch -d

Options

Common errors in CI

error: The branch 'X' is not fully merged. If you are sure you want to delete it, run 'git branch -D X' - -d protects unmerged commits; use -D to override. error: Cannot delete branch 'X' checked out at '<path>' means it is the current branch or used by a worktree; switch away first.

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