MINI-GIT

This is a lightweight distributed source control system using Kotlin. The inspiration comes from the existing GIT system. The system allows you to manage version control locally with features like staging files, committing changes, viewing commit logs, and branch management. The tool is for educational, fun, trying out things purposes and only works for local repositories.

Features

• Initialize a repository: Create a new repository in the current directory.

• Stage files: Add files to the staging area for the next commit.

• Commit changes: Save changes with a descriptive message and author information.

• View commit history: See a list of all commits.

• Manage branches: Create, list, and switch between branches.

• Ignore files: Specify patterns of files to exclude from version control.

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Java 11 or higher
• Kotlin 1.8 or higher
• Gradle

Installation

1. Clone this repository:

git clone [email protected]:sethonyango/mini-git.git

2. Navigate to the project directory:

cd mini-git

3. Build the project:

./gradlew build

4. The JAR file will be available in the build/libs directory.

5. Run the tool:

java -jar build/libs/mini-git-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar --help

Usage

Here are some example commands to get started with mini-git:

Initialize a Repository

java -jar build/libs/mini-git-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar init

Stage Files

java -jar build/libs/mini-git-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar add file1.txt file2.txt

Commit Changes

java -jar build/libs/mini-git-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar commit -a "Your Name" "Initial commit"

View Commit History

java -jar build/libs/mini-git-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar log

Manage Branches

Create a new branch:

java -jar build/libs/mini-git-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar branch --create new-feature

List all branches:

java -jar build/libs/mini-git-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar branch --list

Switch to a branch:

java -jar build/libs/mini-git-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar branch --switch new-feature

Merge Branches

java -jar build/libs/mini-git-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar merge source-branch target-branch

View Repository Status

java -jar build/libs/mini-git-1.0-SNAPSHOT.jar status

Configuration

You can ignore files by creating a .miniignore file in the root of your repository. Add file patterns to this file, similar to how you would with Git:

*.log
*.tmp

Limitations

• No network support: Cloning is local-only.

• Conflict resolution is not implemented.

• Limited diff visualization.

Reflection Questions

What do you love most about computing?

I love the ability to solve real-world problems through logic and creativity. Computing empowers us to automate repetitive tasks, create experiences, and analyze large amounts of data. The experience of solving day to day tasks is very satisfying.

If you could meet any scientist or engineer who died before A.D. 2000, whom would you choose, and why?

I would choose Alan Turing. His groundbreaking work in computation and cryptography laid the foundation for modern computer science. His ability to conceptualize the "Turing Machine" demonstrate both brilliance and perseverance, it was genius. Meeting him would be an incredible opportunity to discuss his vision for AI.