Some, like the authors of Continuous Delivery (http://continuousdelivery.com/) seem to be arguing against branches, and for a single codebase that is continuously tested, integrated, and releasable.
That said, private branches can make it easier for people to commit early and often, as all changes can easily be squished together so others don't have to see every "embarrassing" iteration.
That said, private branches can make it easier for people to commit early and often, as all changes can easily be squished together so others don't have to see every "embarrassing" iteration.