Merge conflicts occur when multiple developers edit the same section of a file in their separate branches, and the version control system cannot automatically reconcile these changes during a merge. When attempting to merge branches (like merging a feature branch into the main branch), Git flags these overlapping changes, pausing the process. Resolving involves manually reviewing the conflicting sections identified by markers (<<<<<<<, =======, >>>>>>>), deciding which changes to keep, editing the file to create the desired final version, and then completing the merge.

For example, two developers might change different lines in the same Python function signature on separate branches. When merging, Git flags this as a conflict. Developers then manually review the options in the file, discuss if necessary (e.g., using collaboration tools like GitHub or GitLab), edit the function to incorporate both intended changes or choose one, save the file, and mark it as resolved using git add. Another common scenario involves simultaneous edits to a configuration file like package.json by remote team members.

While necessary for maintaining code integrity, resolving merge conflicts can be time-consuming and disrupt workflow, particularly in large teams or complex projects. It encourages communication but highlights the importance of smaller, frequent commits and clear team coordination to minimize occurrences. Future improvements focus on smarter tooling, like enhanced diff views within IDEs or AI assistance, to streamline conflict identification and resolution.