Open-Sourcing a Repository

Prepare a repository for public release so that an outsider with no prior context can build, use, and contribute to it — and so that nothing sensitive ships with it. Work through the steps in order; the secrets audit comes first because its outcome (keeping vs. recreating the repository) affects everything after it.

When to Use

• Making a private repository public
• Auditing an existing public repository for release quality ("make it official")
• Choosing a license for a project
• Setting up packaging, versioning, or release automation ahead of a public launch

When NOT to Use