"Your branch isn't protected."

[JackyBorderCollie]

there is a notification on the code tab, which says "Your branch isn't protected". what the heck does that mean, and should we protect the branch?

[CST1229]

https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/configuring-branches-and-merges-in-your-repository/defining-the-mergeability-of-pull-requests/about-protected-branches

You can protect important branches by setting branch protection rules, which define whether collaborators can delete or force push to the branch and set requirements for any pushes to the branch, such as passing status checks or a linear commit history.