Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- Gentoo Linux is migrating its repository mirrors and community contribution workflow from GitHub to Codeberg.
- This shift responds to GitHub's push for forced Copilot usage.
- The project's core code and internal tools will remain on Gentoo's own self-hosted servers.
Why Gentoo is Leaving GitHub
The Gentoo project is moving to protect its code from proprietary AI tools. GitHub has made continuous attempts to force Copilot usage on hosted repositories. Gentoo developers want to align with platforms that share their commitment to free software.
Codeberg offers a non-profit alternative. A democratic organization based in Berlin maintains the site. The platform runs on Forgejo, which is 100% Free Software.
This move helps Gentoo regain digital sovereignty while keeping a familiar workflow for users.
What This Migration is Not
This move is not a total relocation of the Gentoo project. Gentoo continues to host its own primary git repositories, bug tracker, and internal infrastructure. The Codeberg site is a mirror used for the convenience of community contributors.
The "source of truth" for Gentoo code remains at git.gentoo.org. You can still find project bugs at bugs.gentoo.org. The external mirrors simply provide a web interface for submitting pull requests.
Limitations and Risks
Moving to a smaller platform has trade-offs. Codeberg has fewer active users than GitHub. This may lead to fewer people discovering the project or helping with code.
Codeberg has also faced occasional access issues or downtime in recent months. Furthermore, moving platforms does not stop AI bots from scraping code. Any code made public on the internet remains visible to bots for training purposes.
WARNING: Do not assume that moving to Codeberg makes your public code private or invisible to AI scrapers.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming the project moved entirely: Users often think the primary servers changed. They have not.
- Using traditional forks: Many users try to fork the repo on the Codeberg web UI. Gentoo recommends the AGit approach instead.
- Neglecting official sources: Always check git.gentoo.org for the most current code before starting work.
How to Set Up the New Mirror
You can now submit pull requests on Codeberg using a more efficient method. This approach, called AGit, does not require you to keep a fork on your own profile.
Installation Steps
1. Clone the primary Gentoo repository:
git clone git@git.gentoo.org:repo/gentoo.git
2. Enter the new directory:
cd gentoo
3. Add the Codeberg mirror as a remote:
git remote add codeberg ssh://git@codeberg.org/gentoo/gentoo
4. Create a branch for your fixes:
git checkout -b my-new-fixes
Verification
To verify your setup, push a test commit with a topic title.
git push codeberg HEAD:refs/for/master -o topic="test-connection"
The server creates the pull request automatically when you push.
Summary
Gentoo Linux migration to Codeberg reflects Gentoo's focus on independence and free software. Use Codeberg if you want to contribute code via a modern web interface without supporting proprietary AI tools. Stick to the official Gentoo servers if you prefer the project's traditional, self-hosted tools.
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