GitHub Repositories

GitHub Repositories Cheat Sheet

A GitHub repository is a container that stores:

Project source code
Configuration files
Documentation
Git revision history

A repository tracks every change using Git version control and enables collaboration, review, and automation.

Repositories exist:

Under personal accounts

Under organizations
As public or private

Repository Visibility

Public Repository

Anyone can view the code
Anyone can fork the repository
Common for open-source projects

Private Repository

Access restricted to invited users or teams
Used for proprietary or internal projects

Repository Components

Component	Description	Key Characteristics
Source Code	Project files tracked by Git.	Version-controlled files Each change recorded as a commit
Commit History	Complete record of all changes.	Immutable timeline Includes author, timestamp, and commit message Enables rollback and auditing
Branches	Parallel lines of development.	Independent work streams Default branch is usually `main` Feature branches isolate changes
Tags	Markers for specific points in history.	Commonly used for releases (e.g., `v1.0.0`) Frequently integrated into CI/CD pipelines

Repository Terminology

Understanding the following terms is essential before working with GitHub repositories:

Term	Description
Branch	An isolated line of development within a repository that allows changes without impacting the primary branch, typically main.
Clone	A full local copy of a repository downloaded from GitHub, including all files, folders, and complete version history.
Fork	A new repository created from an existing one under a different account, sharing the original codebase and visibility settings.
Merge	The act of integrating changes from one branch into another within a repository.
Pull Request	A formal request to merge changes between branches, enabling code review, discussion, and validation.
Remote	A repository hosted on GitHub that serves as a reference point for local repositories.
Upstream	The original repository or branch from which a fork or clone is created; the derived copy is considered the downstream.

Repository Initialization Options

When creating a repository, you can include:

README.md – project overview
.gitignore – files Git should ignore
LICENSE – legal usage terms

Essential Repository Files

File	Purpose	Key Contents/ Recommendations
README.md	Provides an overview of the project	Project description Installation instructions Usage examples Contribution guidelines License information
CONTRIBUTING.md	Defines how others should contribute	Contribution workflow Branching rules Commit message format Pull request review process
CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md	Establishes community behavior standards	Acceptable behavior Unacceptable behavior Enforcement guidelines Community expectations
SECURITY.md	Documents security reporting procedures	How to report vulnerabilities Disclosure expectations Security contact information

Conclusion

GitHub repositories are the foundation of collaboration and version control. Following best practices such as clear documentation, consistent terminology, structured branching, and proper security files ensures repositories remain maintainable, secure, and easy to collaborate on, whether for internal teams or open-source communities.

References

https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/creating-and-managing-repositories/about-repositories

https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/creating-and-managing-repositories/best-practices-for-repositories

https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/creating-and-managing-repositories/quickstart-for-repositories

Written by: Ace Kenneth Batacandulo

Ace is AWS Certified, AWS Community Builder, and Cloud Consultant at Tutorials Dojo Pte. Ltd. He is also the Co-Lead Organizer of K8SUG Philippines and a member of the Content Committee for Google Developer Groups Cloud Manila. Ace actively contributes to the tech community through his volunteer work with AWS User Group PH, GDG Cloud Manila, K8SUG Philippines, and Devcon PH. He is deeply passionate about technology and is dedicated to exploring and advancing his expertise in the field.

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GitHub Repositories

GitHub Repositories

GitHub Repositories Cheat Sheet