repository
Pronunciation: reh-POZ-ih-toh-ree
A storage location, typically hosted on a version control platform, that contains a project's complete file history, branches, and metadata.
Full Definition
In the developer tools context, a repository (often abbreviated 'repo') is the centralised or distributed data store managed by a version control system such as Git. It contains not just the current state of source files but every historical commit, branch, and tag. Repositories may be hosted remotely (on GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, etc.) or maintained locally. Editors should note that 'repository' and 'repo' are interchangeable in informal documentation, but 'repository' is preferred in formal writing. The plural is 'repositories', not 'repositorys'.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred full form in formal writing. 'Repo' is acceptable in informal or colloquial developer content. Plural: 'repositories'.
In Context
- "Fork the repository to your personal account before making changes." — Open-source contribution guide
- "The organisation's private repositories are hosted on an internally managed GitLab instance." — IT infrastructure documentation