Why is my new branch not actually a branch?

Question

When I create a new branch, Sourcetree doesn't seem to be creating an actual branch. To illustrate, I started on my 'develop' branch, clicked 'Branch' and named it 'test_branch', and when I clicked 'Create Branch' it just added the 'test_branch' icon next to 'master' and 'develop':

Not long ago, it was branching properly so if I created a new branch the tree looked like this:

I think somewhere along the way I messed up my 'master' branch. Does anybody have an idea of what could be wrong and how to fix this?

Thanks!

Jim Constant · Answer

Michael, I think you're correct. I kept researching this and found some answers here: https://community.atlassian.com/t5/Sourcetree-questions/How-to-read-the-Graph-in-SourceTree-part-2/qaq-p/165698/jump-to/first-unread-message

It turns out those colored lines aren't branches. They represent the lineage of commits and that's critical to understanding what you're looking at.

Thanks for your thoughts.

minnsey · Answer

I think what you are seeing is correct.

When you first create the new branch 'test_branch' its HEAD simply points to the saem ref.commit as the HEAD of master and develop branches.

Only once you start making new commits to 'test_branch' will the HEADs diverge and the labels separate.

Likewise you will only get a side-by-side visualization of your branch and master, for example, once mast has new commits created after the branch point.