Beginner-Friendly Guide

How to safely manage app updates without breaking your live version

When you’re working alone on an app — especially something already on the Google Play Store — the biggest fear is:
“What if I break the code and can’t go back?”

Git solves this problem.

But many beginners feel overwhelmed by Git commands, branches, and commits.
So here’s a simple, practical Git workflow designed specifically for solo developers building apps in Flutter (or any other framework).

This guide shows you exactly how to:

• protect your Play Store version

• create a new branch for updates (like AdMob or Freemium features)

• switch between versions easily

• undo mistakes anytime

Let’s begin.
Stay organised. Download Sticky Notes Quick Memo on play store now

1. Why You Should Use Git (Even If You’re Working Alone)

Git gives you time travel.

Every time you commit your work, Git takes a snapshot of your app.
You can jump back to older versions whenever you want — instantly.

This means:

• you’ll never lose your working Play Store version

• you can experiment freely without fear

• you can build new features in separate “branches”

• you don’t need to duplicate project folders

Git becomes your safety net.

2. How to Set Up Git for Your Existing App

Open a terminal inside your project folder:

This creates:

• a .git folder that stores your project’s history

• a branch called master (your safe fallback)

• a snapshot of your current Play Store code

Congratulations — you now have a protected version.

3. Create a Development Branch for New Features

Instead of editing your Play Store version directly, create a new branch:

This branch is where you add:

• ads

• freemium features

• in-app purchases

• new UI

• experiments

Your original version stays untouched.

4. How to Check Which Branch You’re On

Any day you return to the project, simply run:

You might see:

The star (*) tells you your active branch.
If you’re not on the one you want:

5. Save Your Progress: Committing

Every time you complete a piece of work:

This creates a restore point.

If you break something later, don’t worry — you can always go back.

6. If Something Goes Wrong: How to Recover

Option A: Return to the safe Play Store version

Your entire project resets instantly.

Option B: Undo your latest changes in the dev branch

You’re always protected.

7. Adding More Features Later? Create More Branches

You can create as many branches as you like:

Each branch is a separate safe space to work.

Switch between them easily:

Zero risk — no messy duplicated folders.

8. Why This Workflow Is Perfect for Solo Developers

Because it’s:

• simple

• safe

• fast

• organized

• professional

You’ll never again lose your working version or introduce a bug into your Play Store code.

Conclusion

If you’re building a Flutter app — especially something real-estate–related like a Seller’s Net Sheet calculator — Git becomes your best friend.

It lets you:

• keep your live version clean

• work on new features without fear

• try things, break things, revert things

• stay organized as your app grows

Set it up once, and it saves you headaches forever.

P.S. “In Git, the default branch may appear as master on older projects or main on newer setups. This change is purely naming — both branches serve the same role as the project’s primary, stable version. The functionality and workflow remain identical.”