What Repository means
Often shortened to repo. Your business should own the repository for its website, or at least have admin access, so you are never locked out by a former developer.
Why it matters for your website
A repository keeps every version of your site's code, so mistakes can be undone and you can see who changed what. It also means your site isn't trapped on one developer's laptop. Owning the repository protects you if you switch vendors.
Example
A nonprofit's developer pushes a change that breaks the donation page. Because the code lives in a repository, the previous version is restored in minutes.
Tips
- Make sure the repository is in an account your business owns, not just your developer's.
- Never store passwords or API keys in the repository.
- Use clear commit messages so changes are easy to understand later.
Common mistakes
- Letting a contractor host your only copy of the code in their personal account.
- Committing secret keys or .env files to a public repository.
Questions about Repository
What is Repository?
A project folder tracked by Git, holding all of a site's code and its change history.
What is the difference between Git and GitHub?
Git is the version control tool that tracks changes. GitHub is one of several online services that host Git repositories and add collaboration features.
Should my website repository be public or private?
Most business sites should use a private repository. Public repositories are best for open-source projects, and they must never contain secrets.
