When we install Git we also install a set of default templates that both git-init(1) and git-clone(1) populate into our build directories. The way the pristine templates are laid out in our source directory is somewhat weird though: instead of reconstructing the actual directory hierarchy in "templates/", we represent directory separators with "--". The only reason I could come up with for why we have this is the "branches/" directory, which is supposed to be empty when installing it. And as Git famously doesn't store empty directories at all we have to work around this limitation. Now the thing is that the "branches/" directory is a leftover to how branches used to be stored in the dark ages. gitrepository-layout(5) lists this directory as "slightly deprecated", which I would claim is a strong understatement. I have never encountered anybody using it today and would be surprised if it even works as expected. So having the "--" hack in place for an item that is basically unused, unmaintained and deprecated doesn't only feel unreasonable, but installing that entry by default may also cause confusion for users that do not know what this is supposed to be in the first place. Remove this directory from our templates and, now that we do not require the workaround anymore, restructure the templates to form a proper hierarchy. This makes it way easier for build systems to install these templates into place. We should likely think about removing support for "branch/" altogether, but that is outside of the scope of this patch series. Signed-off-by: Patrick Steinhardt <ps@pks.im> Signed-off-by: Junio C Hamano <gitster@pobox.com>
Git - fast, scalable, distributed revision control system
Git is a fast, scalable, distributed revision control system with an unusually rich command set that provides both high-level operations and full access to internals.
Git is an Open Source project covered by the GNU General Public License version 2 (some parts of it are under different licenses, compatible with the GPLv2). It was originally written by Linus Torvalds with help of a group of hackers around the net.
Please read the file INSTALL for installation instructions.
Many Git online resources are accessible from https://git-scm.com/ including full documentation and Git related tools.
See Documentation/gittutorial.txt to get started, then see
Documentation/giteveryday.txt for a useful minimum set of commands, and
Documentation/git-<commandname>.txt for documentation of each command.
If git has been correctly installed, then the tutorial can also be
read with man gittutorial or git help tutorial, and the
documentation of each command with man git-<commandname> or git help <commandname>.
CVS users may also want to read Documentation/gitcvs-migration.txt
(man gitcvs-migration or git help cvs-migration if git is
installed).
The user discussion and development of Git take place on the Git mailing list -- everyone is welcome to post bug reports, feature requests, comments and patches to git@vger.kernel.org (read Documentation/SubmittingPatches for instructions on patch submission and Documentation/CodingGuidelines).
Those wishing to help with error message, usage and informational message
string translations (localization l10) should see po/README.md
(a po file is a Portable Object file that holds the translations).
To subscribe to the list, send an email to git+subscribe@vger.kernel.org (see https://subspace.kernel.org/subscribing.html for details). The mailing list archives are available at https://lore.kernel.org/git/, https://marc.info/?l=git and other archival sites.
Issues which are security relevant should be disclosed privately to the Git Security mailing list git-security@googlegroups.com.
The maintainer frequently sends the "What's cooking" reports that list the current status of various development topics to the mailing list. The discussion following them give a good reference for project status, development direction and remaining tasks.
The name "git" was given by Linus Torvalds when he wrote the very first version. He described the tool as "the stupid content tracker" and the name as (depending on your mood):
- random three-letter combination that is pronounceable, and not actually used by any common UNIX command. The fact that it is a mispronunciation of "get" may or may not be relevant.
- stupid. contemptible and despicable. simple. Take your pick from the dictionary of slang.
- "global information tracker": you're in a good mood, and it actually works for you. Angels sing, and a light suddenly fills the room.
- "goddamn idiotic truckload of sh*t": when it breaks