Glossary · Source control and deployment
Repository
A project container holding files, revision history, branches, and collaboration records.
Also called: repo
Definition
A repository contains a project's source files and history. On GitHub it may also include issues, pull requests, Actions workflows, releases, access roles, and project documentation. A clone is a full working copy that can be kept outside GitHub.
Why it matters
Repository ownership and recovery are central to portability. A client should know which account or organization owns the source of a production website.
Common misunderstanding
The repository is not necessarily the live server. A deployment process builds or copies approved source into the hosting environment.
Related terms
Related system family: Hosting & Release
Sources
- About repositories (opens in a new tab) · GitHub Docs
Last reviewed July 16, 2026