Migrating open source code repositories from CVS to GitHub
If you have ever tried sending a patch to an open source project, you will be familiar with the obstacles that can put off even the most motivated of developers. For example, you need to discover the project maintainer's email address and negotiate the various levels of moderation. If somebody in a position to make decisions actually finds the time to take a look, the patch format might be wrong, or the patch might collide with another, unpublished change.
Reducing the PITA Factor
GitHub's aim is to reduce the PITA (pain in the ass) factor [2]. Public code repositories that are hosted on GitHub use the branch- and merge-friendly Git revision control system that allows the open source community to apply changes, test locally, and – if successful – flow the code into the original project with little pain.
Creating a fork – spawning a copy of an open source project – is not a sneaky move on github.com. Here, forks are not a means of taking control of a project, but the recommended way of developing and testing new features and, finally, asking the project maintainer to add them to the main branch of the project.
[...]
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Plasma Ends LTS Releases
The KDE Plasma development team is doing away with the LTS releases for a good reason.
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.