f79e18849b
Indb9d67f2e9(builtin/cat-file.c: support NUL-delimited input with `-z`, 2022-07-22), we have introduced a new mode to read the input via NUL-delimited records instead of newline-delimited records. This allows the user to query for revisions that have newlines in their path component. While unusual, such queries are perfectly valid and thus it is clear that we should be able to support them properly. Unfortunately, the commit only changed the input to be NUL-delimited, but didn't change the output at the same time. While this is fine for queries that are processed successfully, it is less so for queries that aren't. In the case of missing commits for example the result can become entirely unparsable: ``` $ printf "7ce4f05bae8120d9fa258e854a8669f6ea9cb7b1 blob 10\n1234567890\n\n\commit000" | git cat-file --batch -z7ce4f05baeblob 10 1234567890 commit missing ``` This is of course a crafted query that is intentionally gaming the deficiency, but more benign queries that contain newlines would have similar problems. Ideally, we should have also changed the output to be NUL-delimited when `-z` is specified to avoid this problem. As the input is NUL-delimited, it is clear that the output in this case cannot ever contain NUL characters by itself. Furthermore, Git does not allow NUL characters in revisions anyway, further stressing the point that using NUL-delimited output is safe. The only exception is of course the object data itself, but as git-cat-file(1) prints the size of the object data clients should read until that specified size has been consumed. But even though `-z` has only been introduced a few releases ago in Git v2.38.0, changing the output format retroactively to also NUL-delimit output would be a backwards incompatible change. And while one could make the argument that the output is inherently broken already, we need to assume that there are existing users out there that use it just fine given that revisions containing newlines are quite exotic. Instead, introduce a new option `-Z` that switches to NUL-delimited input and output. While this new option could arguably only switch the output format to be NUL-delimited, the consequence would be that users have to always specify both `-z` and `-Z` when the input may contain newlines. On the other hand, if the user knows that there never will be newlines in the input, they don't have to use either of those options. There is thus no usecase that would warrant treating input and output format separately, which is why we instead opt to "do the right thing" and have `-Z` mean to NUL-terminate both formats. The old `-z` option is marked as deprecated with a hint that its output may become unparsable. It is thus hidden both from the synopsis as well as the command's help output. Co-authored-by: Toon Claes <toon@iotcl.com> Signed-off-by: Patrick Steinhardt <ps@pks.im> Signed-off-by: Junio C Hamano <gitster@pobox.com>
Git - fast, scalable, distributed revision control system
Git is a fast, scalable, distributed revision control system with an unusually rich command set that provides both high-level operations and full access to internals.
Git is an Open Source project covered by the GNU General Public License version 2 (some parts of it are under different licenses, compatible with the GPLv2). It was originally written by Linus Torvalds with help of a group of hackers around the net.
Please read the file INSTALL for installation instructions.
Many Git online resources are accessible from https://git-scm.com/ including full documentation and Git related tools.
See Documentation/gittutorial.txt to get started, then see
Documentation/giteveryday.txt for a useful minimum set of commands, and
Documentation/git-<commandname>.txt for documentation of each command.
If git has been correctly installed, then the tutorial can also be
read with man gittutorial or git help tutorial, and the
documentation of each command with man git-<commandname> or git help <commandname>.
CVS users may also want to read Documentation/gitcvs-migration.txt
(man gitcvs-migration or git help cvs-migration if git is
installed).
The user discussion and development of Git take place on the Git mailing list -- everyone is welcome to post bug reports, feature requests, comments and patches to git@vger.kernel.org (read Documentation/SubmittingPatches for instructions on patch submission and Documentation/CodingGuidelines).
Those wishing to help with error message, usage and informational message
string translations (localization l10) should see po/README.md
(a po file is a Portable Object file that holds the translations).
To subscribe to the list, send an email with just "subscribe git" in the body to majordomo@vger.kernel.org (not the Git list). The mailing list archives are available at https://lore.kernel.org/git/, http://marc.info/?l=git and other archival sites.
Issues which are security relevant should be disclosed privately to the Git Security mailing list git-security@googlegroups.com.
The maintainer frequently sends the "What's cooking" reports that list the current status of various development topics to the mailing list. The discussion following them give a good reference for project status, development direction and remaining tasks.
The name "git" was given by Linus Torvalds when he wrote the very first version. He described the tool as "the stupid content tracker" and the name as (depending on your mood):
- random three-letter combination that is pronounceable, and not actually used by any common UNIX command. The fact that it is a mispronunciation of "get" may or may not be relevant.
- stupid. contemptible and despicable. simple. Take your pick from the dictionary of slang.
- "global information tracker": you're in a good mood, and it actually works for you. Angels sing, and a light suddenly fills the room.
- "goddamn idiotic truckload of sh*t": when it breaks