mgit
mgit is a custom-built, minimal Git clone designed to demystify Git internals by providing a clear, educational version of core Git functionalities. Unlike the full Git implementation, mgit focuses on simplicity and readability, making it easier to understand how Git works under the hood.
The codebase uses C++ for fine control and performance, with SQLite as the storage backend to keep commit history, metadata, and branch references straightforward and easy to inspect. It targets learners who want to grasp how Git stores commits, tracks branches, and reconstructs history.
Motivation
Many developers use Git daily but lack deep understanding of its internal mechanisms. mgit’s goal is to bridge this gap by implementing Git’s core features with an emphasis on clarity over complexity. It serves as an educational reference for anyone wanting to explore:
- How commits are structured and saved
- How branches are maintained and switched
- How commit history is organized and viewed
Approach
Following a philosophy of clarity over completeness, mgit features a modular and well-commented codebase built around a minimal command set. Data is persisted using SQLite in a lightweight manner to facilitate easy querying and verification.
The implementation avoids unnecessary abstractions and prioritizes straightforward logic, making it great for those learning about version control internals.
Features
- Initialize new repositories with
mgit init. - Create commits with metadata and tracked changes using
mgit commit. - View commit history chronologically through
mgit log. - Manage branches with
mgit branchincluding creation and switching. - Designed to be minimal, portable, and extensible for educational purposes.
- And much more visit repository.
“mgit aims to strip away the complexity of Git while keeping the magic intact — so you not only use Git, you understand it.”