How to use Microsoft's GVFS with gmaster
By the end of this post, you will have Microsoft's GVFS up and running on your PC, and be able to use it with gmaster, your favorite (I-hope-so) Git client.
The cool thing about GVFS, in case you didn't know, is that you can now have large Git repositories on your PC, -even the ones too big for your hard drive-, while the operations on it are still super-fast, regardless of its size.
This is because you won't really have the entire repository on your PC. GVFS, short for Git Virtual File System, will silently download on demand the necessary files to your PC, just when you or any other program on your PC require them. You can read more about how GVFS works here (you'll see our logo at the bottom!); this post is just a guide to get you started with GVFS and gmaster.
By the time I'm writing this, GVFS requires a computer with Windows 10 1703 (Creators Update, released on April 2017) or later. Because it also requires a service that supports the GVFS protocol, for now you are restricted to using Visual Studio Team Services if you want to try GVFS, although other big players in the field, such as GitHub and BitBucket are working to bring GVFS support to their platforms, and GitHub is working with Microsoft to bring GVFS support to GNU/Linux and macOS.
Are you ready? Ok, let's go!
Installing a GVFS-enabled Git on our computer
First things first - to interact with GVFS both from command line and from gmaster you need to download the GVFS-enabled release of Git for Windows, and the GVFS utility itself. Both are available for download from Microsoft's GitHub repositories, under the "releases" section. Download the latest release available of each when you read this:.
If you want to, you can also download the GVFS source code and build it from scratch, but that is out of the scope for this guide.
Installing both programs is now easy (not so long ago was truly a hassle), so I'm not going to walk you through the installers. Click next, next, next... next, and you are done!
Once you have them installed, you need to set the core.gvfs config flag to true:
git config --global core.gvfs trueYou are almost ready to go; now you only need a Visual Studio Team Services (VSTS) repository!
Setting up VSTS
For those of you who don't know, if you have a Microsoft account (I still have my original Hotmail email account!) you can have a free Visual Studio Team services account.
Team Services is a platform that reunites different tools such as Git (of course), but also agile tools, continuous integration, release management, etc. You can check it out here. Because Team Services has a free tier, it is the perfect all-in-one platform for the solo developer, or for small teams with a reduced budget. For us, it was perfect because at the time it already supported GVFS.
After going to the Visual Studio Team Services home page, and creating your own VSTS account, you will be prompted to choose a few settings. You can change your first project name, the region where your projects will be stored, and another few settings, but the important thing is that you keep Git as your VCS:
If you already had a Visual Studio Team Services account, you can start a new project from it to test GVFS. Again, the only thing you need to ensure is to select the Git option for Version Control:
For this demonstration, I chose a medium-sized, public repository (the MonoDevelop one), to show you how easily you can use GVFS with preexisting repositories. I cloned it to my hard drive with a regular git-clone, and I modified its .gitattributes
file to enable GVFS on it. According to Microsoft's instructions, you only need to add the line "* -text" (without the quotes), and you are good to go.
Then, I pushed it to the GVFS-demo project's Git repository I just created on VSTS, adding a new remote with the URL of the Git repository (something like https://myusername.visualstudio.com/_git/GVFS-demo, or ssh://myusername@vs-ssh.visualstudio.com:22/_ssh/GVFS-demo if you chose SSH over HTTPS) and doing a regular git-push. Please note that, so far, GVFS is not involved in the process. I just prepared a local, full-size repository with a regular clone, and uploaded it to VSTS with a regular push.
By the time I was done, my VSTS demo repository looked like this:
Finally, we are ready to work with this repository using GVFS.
Using the repository with GVFS
Now, it is time to clone the repository using GVFS. To do so, execute the following in a terminal:
gvfs clone https://myusername.visualstudio.com/_git/GVFS-demoYour repository's content will be located inside a directory named src inside the destination location you chose for the clone. This is because of a design decision from the GVFS team, and you can learn more about the why and the how about it here.
With the repository cloned and mounted, we can now open gmaster and add it! If you wait a little bit, it will be automatically detected by gmaster. If not, you can directly browse to it and add it to your repositories list.
gmaster will correctly show you the Branch Explorer of the repository. You can diff any commit you want, or check it out, create branches and tags, check the pending changes, and commit and stash them, and, of course, push and pull the work of you and your colleagues. Long story short, with gmaster you can work with a repository mounted with GVFS as easily and effectively as you can with "regular" Git repositories.
If you open the directory, you can check that every file is where it should be. But, if you use the Explorer to check the size of the directory, you can see that it is much smaller than a full checked-out workspace, saving space and making big repos locally manageable (which was the initial purpose of this post!)
GVFS will download the files on-demand, when they are required either by you (for example, opening them manually from the Explorer), or by a program (for example, Visual Studio while building). If you use most of the files continuously, this is OK, but for example once you did a complete build, leaving your workspace with a bunch of files that you won't need again anytime soon. You can dehydrate or clean up your GVFS repository executing:
gvfs dehydrate GVFS-demo --confirmThis command will backup your src directory (just in case), and create a fresh, fully dehydrated copy of the repository. You can safely remove the backup src directory, but keep in mind that this feature is (according to the docs) experimental!
Once you are done working, you can unmount your repository the following way:
gvfs umount GVFS-demoRemember, that before working again on that repository, you will need to mount it again!
Conclusion
I wish you a happy gmastering with GVFS! If you have suggestion, doubt or problem, please don't hesitate to leave a comment, or ping us on Twitter at @gmasterscm.
Enjoy!
It is interesting to read your blog post and I am going to share it with my friends.aybabg
ReplyDeleteGreat Article Cyber Security Projects projects for cse Networking Security Projects JavaScript Training in Chennai JavaScript Training in Chennai The Angular Training covers a wide range of topics including Components, Angular Directives, Angular Services, Pipes, security fundamentals, Routing, and Angular programmability. The new Angular TRaining will lay the foundation you need to specialise in Single Page Application developer. Angular Training
DeleteSupport is available for all the lines of Microsoft products including Windows 7, XP, Vista, Office, Windows Server, Outlook, or Internet Explorer etc. reset windows 10 password
ReplyDeleteYour logo should put over an unmistakable message to potential clients about your business, items and administrations and in doing as such guide their basic leadership with regards to acquiring from you.
ReplyDeletelogo design service
some in strive for of truth terrific squabble out going in the location of for behalf of the proprietor of this net website online , perfectly ultimate articles . Couldn’t stream office 30015-25 (3)
ReplyDeleteThanks for this blog, I really enjoyed reading your post.
ReplyDeleteAvast Customer Service Phone Number
McAfee customer service phone number
dell printer technical support phone number
Dell Pro Support Phone Numbers
Thanks for sharing such a nice Blog.I like it.
ReplyDeleteBuy Bitdefender Antivirus and Get These Characteristics, Tools, and Gains
How to Protect Yourself Out Of Fake Antivirus Programs
How to hide your IP address from hacking practices
ReplyDeleteWant To Shield Your Network Against Virus and Malware?
Top ways to boost RAM and clear memory on Windows
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a nice Blog.I like it.
norton installation with product key
mcafee com activate total protection
avg tech support phone number
webroot customer service number
kaspersky support number
contact outlook technical support
webroot activation code free
Thanks for sharing such a nice Blog.I like it.
ReplyDeleterenew norton
that is a big article thank you for sharing this informative recommendation. i'm able to visit your weblog often for a few modern day call. i'm able to visit your blog regularly for a few today's say. Windows 10 Pro Keys Office 2019 Professional Plus CD Keys.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a nice Blog.I like it.
ReplyDeletehercampus
tracky
kryptronic
topgoldforum
octagonroleplay
Thanks for sharing such a nice blog. I like it.
ReplyDeleteGet Best Control of Your PC with Norton Clean Sweep
Your blog is really nice and informative also. Thanks for sharing such a nice blog
ReplyDeleteDelta airline number customer service Number- AirTicket Reservation
Delta Airlines Telephone Number Customer Service for Quick Support
delta airlines phone number in usa
Thank you for sharing such a nice information.
ReplyDeletehow to cancel avast subscription
Thank you for sharing such a nice information.
ReplyDeleteavast cancel subscription
cancel avg subscription
canon support code b203
yahoo mail keeps crashing
rdk 03003
error 550
This type of message always inspiring and I prefer to read quality content, so happy to find good place to many here in the post, the writing is just great, thanks for the post. windows iso
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a nice Blog.I like it.
ReplyDeleteavast contact number
McAfee support phone number
Norton Tech support number
yahoo mail support contact phone number
webroot customer service
microsoft edge support number
microsoft office 365 customer service
Thanks for sharing such a nice Blog.I like it.
ReplyDeletemicrosoft office support
Thanks for sharing such a nice Blog.I like it.
ReplyDeleteMcAfee Phone Number
Thank you for sharing this blog with us:-
ReplyDeletewww trendmicro com bestbuydownloads
avast mobile security license key
avg antivirus activation key
https://www.debate.org/Wilda123/
ReplyDeletehttps://wildagjones.contently.com/
https://clbmarketing.com/user-wilda123
http://foorumi.turunsrk.fi/user/profile/4634.page
https://phptime.ru/profile/wilda123/
Thank you for sharing such a nice information.
ReplyDeleteHow to Deactivate McAfee Temporarily?
how to connect canon mg3600 printer to wifi
ReplyDeletehow to turn off bitdefender
mcafee scanner service slowing computer
Avast Pro Antivirus Review And Benefits
ReplyDeleteSuch audits provide them the insight they need to ensure that their Active Directory is adequately secure at all times. windows 10
ReplyDeleteMalwarebytes won t open
ReplyDeleteAvast free stop pop ups
Malwarebytes won t open
ReplyDeleteAvast free stop pop ups
Awesome blog ,Thank you for sharing such a nice blog.
ReplyDeletewebroot safe
Norton com setup product key
ReplyDeleteMicrosoft Edge Phone number
How to turn off avast
McAfee activate enter code
Remove malwarebytes mac
McAfee activate
Group seo tools buy
ReplyDeleteBest seo group buy tools
Group buy seo tools india
Group buy seo tools india
Nice blog. Thank you for sharing such a valuable information.
ReplyDeleteaol desktop mac
Webroot SecureAnywhere key code
M3M Golf Estate Sector 65 Gurgaon
ReplyDeleteIndiabulls Centrum Park
Indiabulls Centrum Park Gurgaon
Indiabulls Centrum Park Sector 103 Gurgaon
Indiabulls Centrum Park
Indiabulls Centrum Park Gurgaon
Indiabulls Centrum Park Sector 103 Gurgaon
how to stay healthy at work
ReplyDeletehealthy and happy all
healthcare and lifestype blogs
hacks to stay healthy all your life
Get answers to all your technical queries here.
ReplyDeletehttp://ttlink.com/bookmark/a9e3c3ee-4184-4268-8e8f-a6c9d109735a
https://www.voguemagazin.com/post/18298_https-www-globalemployees-com-blog-10-best-php-frameworks-for-web-development-ph.html
https://www.voguemagazin.com/post/18299_http-globalemployees-mystrikingly-com-blog-most-popular-wordpress-blogs-to-follo.html
Norton product key
ReplyDeleteMcAfee activate
Avg antivirus key
Malwarebytes won t open
Disable avast
Hp envy 5055 ink cartridge
I am thankful to you for sharing this plethora of useful information. I found this resource utmost beneficial for me. Thanks a lot for hard work. Microsoft CRM Credit Card Processing
ReplyDeleteI got too much interesting stuff on your blog. I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the good work. 상품권 매입
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a nice Blog.I like it.
ReplyDeletepanasonic support phone number
Thanks for sharing such a nice Blog.I like it.
ReplyDeleteWebroot Complete Key
Thanks to share with us i was looking for. That is really helpful for me.
ReplyDeleteRegards.
Office Support
Thanks for sharing such a nice Blog.I like it.
ReplyDeleteWindows 7 Support Number
Windows 7 Customer Support Phone Number
Windows 10 Customer Support Phone Number
Windows 7 Customer Support Number
Windows 10 Customer Care Number
Number
Windows 7 Customer Support Phone Number
Windows 7 Support Number
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a nice Blog.I like it.
ReplyDeleteWindows 7 Customer Service Number
canon pixma mx922 print head
ReplyDeletecanon printer not connecting to network
pixma mg2920 wireless setup mac
canon mg3000 setup wifi
renew norton with code
ReplyDeleteNorton internet security renewal
norton internet security stopped working
norton security won t open
norton internet security for kindle fire hd
ReplyDeletenorton security error 8504 104
how to cancel norton subscription
norton security subscription renewal
HP Printer Assistant
ReplyDeleteAwesome post, thanks
ReplyDeletewibki | bagtheweb | start
Awesome post, thanks for sharing
ReplyDeletemamby.com | homify.com
Very good post, keep sending us such informative articles I visit your website on a regular basis.
ReplyDeletefall nail colors 2019
Crack software! Here at Crackzoom you will get all your favorite software. Our site has a collection of useful software. That will help for your, Visite here and get all your favorite and useful software free.
ReplyDeleteHighly Compressed Pc Games
ReplyDeleteIts a game site with the collection of cool action games.Get all your favourite games here.
It is the kind of information I have been trying to find. Thank you for writing this information. It has proved utmost beneficial for me. Microsoft Office crack
ReplyDeleteSmart Driver Updater Crack Incl Full License Key level motorist updater crucial is one of a number of those brightly constructed PC applications which thoroughly scans the monitor for absolutely any aged drivers also mechanically upgrades the drivers inside one click on.New Crack
ReplyDeleteBest Corporate Video Production Company in Bangalore and top Explainer Video Company in Bangalore , 3d, 2d Animation Video Makers in Chennai
ReplyDeleteYour article is awesome!! Really helpful to filmmaker wannabes. 🙂 Cheers!
Pretty good post. I have just stumbled upon your blog and enjoyed reading your blog posts very much. I am looking for new posts to get more precious info. Big thanks for the useful info. 2ms office 2016 product key
ReplyDeletePackers and Movers
ReplyDeletePackers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
ReplyDeletePackers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
ReplyDeletePackers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
ReplyDeletePackers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
ReplyDeletePackers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
ReplyDeletePackers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
ReplyDeletePackers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
Packers and Movers
How to Choose Packers and Movers
ReplyDeleteWhy are the Packers and Movers?
When you should hire packers and movers
Tips To Help You Choose The Best Packers And Movers
Agarwal Packers and Movers
Advantages of Choosing Packers and Movers
ReplyDeleteLooking for Packers and Movers?
Shift Household in Lockdown with Agarwal Packers and Movers
Original Agarwal Packers and Movers
I am very enjoyed for this blog. Its an informative topic. It help me very much to solve some problems. Its opportunity are so fantastic and working style so speedy. microsoft office 2016 free download full version
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteCcleaner-Pro Crck free download is a useful utility for computers with MS Windows. That cleans out all those junk that accumulates over time like broken shortcuts, temporary files, and many other problems. It is the best tool for cleaning your computer. As It makes your system work smoothly and fast. It also secures your system and protects your privacy.
IDM Crack Setup
ReplyDeleteabbyy-finereader-corporate-crack is the best way to edit and organize your PDF file. You can also protect and sign PDF files with Abbyy Finereader crack. Then, if you also want to edit, read, and erase the PDF file easily. Then you can try this program which is a really good program. It can also save you a lot of time. It comes with lots of nice and fast tools too. If you like this program and want to get it.
Free Pro Keys
Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.. download windows 10 product key
ReplyDeleteI read a article under the same title some time ago, but this articles quality is much, much better. How you do this.. download windows 10 product key
ReplyDeletea
ReplyDeleteI will really appreciate the writer's choice for choosing this excellent article appropriate to my matter.Here is deep description about the article matter which helped me more. funny instagram username
ReplyDeleteI was reading some of your content on this website and I conceive this internet site is really informative ! Keep on putting up. Topcc
ReplyDeleteit is really a great and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteDubai visa for indians
MyAssignmentHelpNow, who help students globally at all academic level. We work 24*7 so that you don’t need to wait for any certain time, you can reach us any time.For ourassignment help you can directly get into touch with our expert.
ReplyDeleteAssignment Writing Service
Thank you very much for writing this blog. It was very easy to understand. That was a very good blog.
ReplyDeleteWebsite: cz jewellery
it is really a great and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this helpful information with us.
ReplyDeleteWebsite :- AC service near me
https://mamby.com/post/watch-skylines-2020-streaming-free
ReplyDeletehttps://mamby.com/post/365-days-online-free
https://mamby.com/post/soul-2020-online-free
https://mamby.com/post/breach-2020-straming-free
https://mamby.com/post/wandavision-2021-online-free
https://mamby.com/post/the-croods-a-new-age-2020-streaming