title: What is the .git/branches folder used for?
body: <p>I have always assumed that the <code>.git/branches</code> directory is for legacy purposes and that git used to use that directory, but now uses the <code>.git/refs</code> directory instead.  Is this true? If not, then what is the purpose of that directory since I have never seen it used or referenced.</p>
  
  <p>EDIT</p>
  
  <p>I'm using git version 1.7.3.4.</p>