
Recent events have brought to light the negative connotations of having the main branch on a repository called `master`. Whether you want to change your primary branch name for this reason or just for fun, it is important to know how to do so and there are a few key steps to ensure that the change goes smoothly.

## Changing Future Repositories

Before we jump into changing our existing repos, let's make sure that we avoid the issue altogether in our future projects. In GitHub, under `Settings > Repositories` there is an option to name your default branch for future projects. Remember, this changes it for your personal account, but you can do the same for an organization.

As a note, on October 1st of this year, GitHub will be setting the default branch for new repositories to `main`.

## Updating Existing Repos

Now, to change an existing repo to a new name add a new branch from the existing `master`, which we will call `main` for this example. With an exact copy now on `main` go to the repository `Settings > Branches` and change the default branch to `main`. Then we can delete the `master` branch, which will alert us that the open pull requests for `master` will be affected. You can use a tool, like [this one from Edward Thomson](https://github.com/ethomson/retarget_prs), to re-target the pull requests to the new branch.

And that's it! You've made the change away from the `master` branch. If you still think it sounds a bit too complicated or too much work, GitHub announced that it will be releasing a feature to make a seamless transition when renaming the default branch by the end of the year.

## Credit

Today's Tuesday Tips was adapted from [a post on the DEV Community](https://dev.to/tracycss/renaming-your-master-branch-to-main-in-github-24cm).



## Free GitHub Team Accounts

[Yesterday GitHub announced](https://github.blog/2020-04-14-github-is-now-free-for-teams/) they were making core features free for team accounts. Previously team accounts could not have private repositories without having a paid account. Essentially, the team accounts will function like regular accounts, but with more options to collaborate. Paid team plans are still available with additional features but the price has dropped from $9 to $4 per user.

## New Firefox 75 Developer Features

Firefox 75 was released on April 7th and it brought [several new features for developers](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Mozilla/Firefox/Releases/75). The developer tools received some updates, such as resizing the measurement tool, locating elements with XPath expressions, and filtering WebSocket messages using regular expressions. Additional support and implementations were added to the HTML, CSS, Accessibility, JavaScript, and API sections.

## Shopify’s App Challenge

Today Shopify announced a new initiative called the [Shopify App Challenge: Commerce and COVID-19](https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/shopify-app-challenge). As the name suggests, this challenge is for Shopify app developers to build apps that help merchants during the current pandemic. Winning apps can win up to $20,000, $1,000 in Shopify ad credits, a featured spot in the app store, and mentorship from the Shopify product and engineering team.



## GitHub Acquires npm

Last week [GitHub announced](https://github.blog/2020-03-16-npm-is-joining-github/) that they would be acquiring the JavaScript package manager npm. GitHub stated that they would focus on the infrastructure, core experience, and engaging with the npm community. Additionally, GitHub will look to integrate npm into their services and structure.

## Why Distributed Teams Are the Future of Workforce

[A recent blog post by Taskade](https://blog.taskade.com/distributed-teams-future-workforce-remote/) discussed why distributed teams are the future of the workforce. The post discusses benefits and how to build distributed teams. With the current COVID-19 pandemic many companies have been forced into a distributed workplace and are looking for ways to improve virtual work now and in the future.

## Bootstrap 5 Icons vs Font Awesome

[Themesberg released a blog post](https://themesberg.com/blog/bootstrap/bootstrap-icons-vs-fontawesome) comparing Font Awesome and Bootstrap 5 Icons, which will be available when Bootstrap 5 is released later this spring. Currently, the Bootstrap icons are open source SVGs that can be added on an individual basis to your website. While not as easy to use as Font Awesome this does have the benefit of a smaller file size because the entire library does not need to be included.

## How to Manage Freelance Finances in a Crisis

[Webdesigner Depot](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2020/03/how-to-manage-your-freelance-finances-during-a-crisis/) posted about how to manage freelance finances during a crisis. With the current uncertainty around what the coming weeks or months will look like it is important to put your business on the best footing possible. Some tips include contacting clients, cutting expenses, and looking for ways to supplement your income.



## New GitHub Mobile App

[GitHub](https://github.com/), the popular development version control software, has launched its mobile app. The app lets users manage their projects, such as through merge and pull requests. The app does not yet have the ability to edit your code, but a lot of other features are available in an easy to use interface. GitHub is available on both [iOS](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/github/id1477376905) and [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.github.android) devices.

## Web Designers Can Help in a Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting nearly every person in the world. However, there are quite a few ways that web designers can help during this crisis. For example, volunteering your services, raising money, or helping clients that are affected. Just because we’re stuck at home doesn’t mean we can’t do our part to help others. Read more from [the article at speckyboy.com](https://speckyboy.com/web-designers-can-help-in-a-crisis/).

## WPBlockTalk

WordPress is hosting an online event called [WPBlockTalk](https://wordpress.com/blog/2020/03/18/wpblocktalk-block-editor-event/), which focuses on the block editor. Topics will include building the core block editor, developing new blocks, and designing with blocks. The event will be held virtually on April 2nd and will be available after the event on [WordPress.tv](https://wordpress.tv/). You can also [join the email list](https://wpblocktalk.wordpress.stream/#signup) for more information and updates.

## MonoLisa Font

There is a new font that has developers buzzing. [MonoLisa](https://monolisa.dev/) is a monospace font designed to “improve developers’ productivity and reduce fatigue”. The font has many features that set it apart, including an increased width, better distinction of characters, and improved reading flow. MonoLisa is currently [available for purchase](https://monolisa.dev/buy) at two levels, a limited version for personal use at $59 and the full version for professional use at $279.


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