What is the distinction between protected and unprotected branches in GitLab?

The distinction between protected and unprotected branches in GitLab centers around access control and modification permissions. Protected branches are specifically designed to restrict who can make changes or even merge code into these branches. Typically, this is used for important branches like the main or master branch, ensuring that only users with specific roles, such as developers or maintainers, can push changes or merge requests into them. This helps maintain the integrity of the code and prevents unauthorized or unreviewed code from being introduced into critical parts of the codebase.

On the other hand, unprotected branches do not have such restrictions, allowing any user with the appropriate permissions within the project to push changes or merge code. This exemption can lead to a more flexible workflow but can pose risks if not managed properly.

The correct answer highlights the essential characteristic of protected branches, which is their limited access for modifications to ensure greater control over the development process. In contrast, the other potential answers do not accurately reflect these key distinctions.