The .git folder

Learn what the .git folder stores in a repository.

Inside the .git folder

The .git folder is the brain of the repository; everything Git uses to keep history stays here. You mostly care about objects, refs and config. objects stores file contents, refs holds named pointers, and config keeps the repository settings.

ls .git
HEAD
config
description
hooks
info
objects
refs

The config file

The config file keeps settings that belong to this repository. For example, the name and e-mail shown in your records are written here. Even when objects and refs are empty, the config file is there from the start.

cat .git/config
[user]
    name = Ayse
    email = ayse@example.com

Exercise List the repository structure

Start a repository in the current folder in quiet mode. Then list the inside of the .git folder so the repository structure appears on screen.

Show example solution

git init -q
ls .git

Test yourself

Which file inside the .git folder holds the repository settings?
- Inside the HEAD file
- The config file
- A record in the objects folder
- A pointer in the refs folder
Show answer

The config file — Settings live in the config file; objects holds file contents, refs holds pointers, and HEAD points at the current spot.
Show the settings
```
cat .git/____
```
Show answer
```
cat .git/config
```
.git parts

objects

Stores file contents
refs

Holds named pointers
config

Holds repository settings
HEAD

Shows the current spot

Next lesson: First file

We Are Enhancing Your Experience

Cookie Preferences

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Analytical Cookies