| 1 | [](https://github.com/git/git/actions?query=branch%3Amaster+event%3Apush) |
| 2 | [](https://gitlab.com/git-scm/git/-/pipelines?ref=master) |
| 3 | |
| 4 | Git - fast, scalable, distributed revision control system |
| 5 | ========================================================= |
| 6 | |
| 7 | Git is a fast, scalable, distributed revision control system with an |
| 8 | unusually rich command set that provides both high-level operations |
| 9 | and full access to internals. |
| 10 | |
| 11 | Git is an Open Source project covered by the GNU General Public |
| 12 | License version 2 (some parts of it are under different licenses, |
| 13 | compatible with the GPLv2). It was originally written by Linus |
| 14 | Torvalds with help of a group of hackers around the net. |
| 15 | |
| 16 | Please read the file [INSTALL][] for installation instructions. |
| 17 | |
| 18 | Many Git online resources are accessible from <https://git-scm.com/> |
| 19 | including full documentation and Git related tools. |
| 20 | |
| 21 | See [Documentation/gittutorial.adoc][] to get started, then see |
| 22 | [Documentation/giteveryday.adoc][] for a useful minimum set of commands, and |
| 23 | `Documentation/git-<commandname>.adoc` for documentation of each command. |
| 24 | If git has been correctly installed, then the tutorial can also be |
| 25 | read with `man gittutorial` or `git help tutorial`, and the |
| 26 | documentation of each command with `man git-<commandname>` or `git help |
| 27 | <commandname>`. |
| 28 | |
| 29 | CVS users may also want to read [Documentation/gitcvs-migration.adoc][] |
| 30 | (`man gitcvs-migration` or `git help cvs-migration` if git is |
| 31 | installed). |
| 32 | |
| 33 | The user discussion and development of Git take place on the Git |
| 34 | mailing list -- everyone is welcome to post bug reports, feature |
| 35 | requests, comments and patches to git@vger.kernel.org (read |
| 36 | [Documentation/SubmittingPatches][] for instructions on patch submission |
| 37 | and [Documentation/CodingGuidelines][]). |
| 38 | |
| 39 | Those wishing to help with error message, usage and informational message |
| 40 | string translations (localization l10) should see [po/README.md][] |
| 41 | (a `po` file is a Portable Object file that holds the translations). |
| 42 | |
| 43 | To subscribe to the list, send an email to <git+subscribe@vger.kernel.org> |
| 44 | (see https://subspace.kernel.org/subscribing.html for details). The mailing |
| 45 | list archives are available at <https://lore.kernel.org/git/>, |
| 46 | <https://marc.info/?l=git> and other archival sites. |
| 47 | |
| 48 | Issues which are security relevant should be disclosed privately to |
| 49 | the Git Security mailing list <git-security@googlegroups.com>. |
| 50 | |
| 51 | The maintainer frequently sends the "What's cooking" reports that |
| 52 | list the current status of various development topics to the mailing |
| 53 | list. The discussion following them give a good reference for |
| 54 | project status, development direction and remaining tasks. |
| 55 | |
| 56 | The name "git" was given by Linus Torvalds when he wrote the very |
| 57 | first version. He described the tool as "the stupid content tracker" |
| 58 | and the name as (depending on your mood): |
| 59 | |
| 60 | - random three-letter combination that is pronounceable, and not |
| 61 | actually used by any common UNIX command. The fact that it is a |
| 62 | mispronunciation of "get" may or may not be relevant. |
| 63 | - stupid. contemptible and despicable. simple. Take your pick from the |
| 64 | dictionary of slang. |
| 65 | - "global information tracker": you're in a good mood, and it actually |
| 66 | works for you. Angels sing, and a light suddenly fills the room. |
| 67 | - "goddamn idiotic truckload of sh*t": when it breaks |
| 68 | |
| 69 | [INSTALL]: INSTALL |
| 70 | [Documentation/gittutorial.adoc]: Documentation/gittutorial.adoc |
| 71 | [Documentation/giteveryday.adoc]: Documentation/giteveryday.adoc |
| 72 | [Documentation/gitcvs-migration.adoc]: Documentation/gitcvs-migration.adoc |
| 73 | [Documentation/SubmittingPatches]: Documentation/SubmittingPatches |
| 74 | [Documentation/CodingGuidelines]: Documentation/CodingGuidelines |
| 75 | [po/README.md]: po/README.md |