GIT-PACK-REFS(1)                                              GIT-PACK-REFS(1)



NAME
       git-pack-refs - Pack heads and tags for efficient repository access

SYNOPSIS
       git pack-refs [--all] [--no-prune]


DESCRIPTION
       Traditionally, tips of branches and tags (collectively known as refs)
       were stored one file per ref under $GIT_DIR/refs directory. While many
       branch tips tend to be updated often, most tags and some branch tips
       are never updated. When a repository has hundreds or thousands of tags,
       this one-file-per-ref format both wastes storage and hurts performance.


       This command is used to solve the storage and performance problem by
       stashing the refs in a single file, $GIT_DIR/packed-refs. When a ref is
       missing from the traditional $GIT_DIR/refs hierarchy, it is looked up
       in this file and used if found.


       Subsequent updates to branches always create new files under
       $GIT_DIR/refs hierarchy.


       A recommended practice to deal with a repository with too many refs is
       to pack its refs with --all --prune once, and occasionally run git
       pack-refs --prune. Tags are by definition stationary and are not
       expected to change. Branch heads will be packed with the initial
       pack-refs --all, but only the currently active branch heads will become
       unpacked, and the next pack-refs (without --all) will leave them
       unpacked.


OPTIONS
       --all  The command by default packs all tags and refs that are already
              packed, and leaves other refs alone. This is because branches
              are expected to be actively developed and packing their tips
              does not help performance. This option causes branch tips to be
              packed as well. Useful for a repository with many branches of
              historical interests.


       --no-prune
              The command usually removes loose refs under $GIT_DIR/refs
              hierarchy after packing them. This option tells it not to.


GIT
       Part of the git(1) suite




                                                              GIT-PACK-REFS(1)
