July 2015 Summaries

Git 2.5 introduces several noteworthy features and improvements aimed at enhancing user experience and efficiency. One of the key features is the experimental git worktree command, which allows multiple working trees to be connected to a single Git repository, facilitating simultaneous work on different branches without the need for multiple clones. This feature is beneficial but should be used cautiously as it may still have bugs and does not support repositories with submodules. Additionally, Git 2.5 improves support for triangular workflows commonly used in open-source projects, with new command line shorthand such as <reference>@{push} to streamline interactions with multiple repositories. Performance enhancements are also included, particularly for large working trees and those stored on networked filesystems, offering speed improvements in commands like git status and git gc. These developments, alongside ongoing community contributions, reflect Git's commitment to continuous improvement and user collaboration.

GitHub Enterprise 2.0 introduced a revamped virtual machine architecture aimed at enhancing performance and reliability, alongside new features and AWS deployment support. The development process involved benchmarking to identify and resolve performance issues, particularly in the critical git clone operation. Initial tests against the previous Enterprise version revealed high error rates and slow performance due to overloaded authentication systems and connection issues with git-daemon. By employing various Unix tools such as strace, tcpdump, and netstat, the team diagnosed problems including an insufficient backlog for connections and firewall misconfigurations. After implementing fixes like optimizing post-receive hooks, increasing the backlog limit for git-daemon, and resolving firewall issues, the team significantly improved throughput and reduced errors. These enhancements resulted in nearly doubled HTTPS and tripled SSH throughput, with notable performance gains reported by customers such as Spotify following their upgrade to Enterprise 2.0.

GitHub has enhanced its capabilities for users working with geospatial data by facilitating easier contributions to the underlying basemap, powered by OpenStreetMap, a collaborative geospatial dataset akin to Wikipedia. Users can now make edits directly in their browsers or leave notes for future review, promoting a more interactive and community-driven approach to mapping. Millions of users have already collaborated on geospatial data on GitHub, and this new feature aims to strengthen the relationship between the GitHub and OpenStreetMap communities. The initiative is part of GitHub's broader effort to foster a safe, secure, and inclusive platform for software development, as highlighted by Ben Balter, GitHub's Chief of Staff for Security, who has played key roles in enhancing the platform's community management and compliance features.

GitHub has enhanced the area above the merge button to provide clearer and more detailed information about the readiness of proposed changes, significantly aiding in the understanding of whether a pull request is ready to merge or requires further work. With 119,000 repositories using automated status checks each month via the GitHub Statuses API, this improved presentation of information ensures that users can easily determine if a pull request can be merged or identify reasons for any failing checks. The update aims to streamline the merging process by making the status of pull requests more transparent and accessible.

The TODO Group, previously involved in the Open Code of Conduct initiative, has decided to halt its work on the project. The Open Code of Conduct was designed as a reusable framework for fostering inclusive and respectful environments within open source communities, and it has been adopted by projects such as Atom, Electron, and Git LFS. While it does not modify GitHub's Terms of Service, it aims to establish communal values, set behavioral expectations, and provide mechanisms for addressing inappropriate conduct. Inspired by the diversity and inclusivity efforts of communities like Django and Python, the initiative underscores the importance of creating welcoming spaces for all contributors. Projects without an existing code of conduct are encouraged to consider adopting the Open Code of Conduct to enhance their community dynamics.

In celebration of Microsoft's release of Visual Studio 2015, the GitHub Extension for Visual Studio, which facilitates working on GitHub repositories within Visual Studio 2015, has been made open source under the MIT License. The project acknowledges the significant support from Microsoft and the contribution of various open source tools, libraries, and projects that facilitated its development. By making the extension open source, the team aims to give back to the community and encourage other developers to create their own Visual Studio extensions. Users can download the extension to experience its capabilities and are invited to contribute by filing issues or submitting pull requests to the project's repository.

GitHub has partnered with the White House and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to launch "ConnectHome," a program aimed at providing affordable and free broadband wireless internet access to low-income homes across 27 U.S. cities and one tribal nation, including Newark, Seattle, Atlanta, and the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma. The initiative will offer broadband access, technical training, coding education, and devices to residents in assisted housing, with GitHub contributing $3 million in free private repositories, $500,000 in financial support, and 4,000 volunteer hours for training and mentorship in software development. As a national sponsor, GitHub collaborates with local non-profits, educators, and Housing Authorities, addressing the significant issue that one in four low-income U.S. families lacks home internet access. This program marks the first major project of GitHub's Social Impact Team, dedicated to fostering positive change in open source, technology, and communities, and underscores GitHub's commitment to empowering marginalized groups to actively participate in tech creation.

A playful new sticker pack featuring designs inspired by atoms and electrons is now available in the GitHub Shop, offering a unique way to personalize and add flair to laptops and accessories. Despite the humorous suggestion that these stickers can charge devices, they are purely decorative and do not have any functional electronic capabilities. The stickers are marketed with a sense of urgency, suggesting they may be in limited supply. Written by Ben Ogle, the announcement is characterized by a lighthearted tone, emphasizing creativity and fun in accessorizing tech gadgets.

GitHub has updated its policy regarding collaborator permissions on private repositories under personal accounts. Previously, when a collaborator's permissions were revoked, they retained their fork of the repository. Now, in line with the existing policy for organization-owned repositories, the collaborator's fork will be deleted upon permission removal. This change aims to provide users with greater control over access to their private code.

GitHub is offering a First Look program for users interested in contributing from their desktop, providing early access to new features and updates. Participants in this program will have the chance to influence the quality and development of GitHub's desktop app by sharing their feedback. The initiative is designed to engage users in shaping the app's future direction.