Using Git LFS

1. Introduction

Git LFS (Large File Storage) is an extension for Git that improves handling of large files. Instead of storing large files directly in your Git repository, Git LFS replaces them with lightweight references that point to the actual file content stored on a remote server.

Note: Git LFS is particularly useful for assets like images, videos, and datasets that are large and would bloat a standard Git repository.

2. Installation

To install Git LFS, follow these steps:

Download and install Git LFS from the official Git LFS website.
Initialize Git LFS in your repository:

git lfs install

Track the file types you want to manage with LFS:

git lfs track "*.psd"

Commit the changes to .gitattributes:

git add .gitattributes
git commit -m "Track PSD files with Git LFS"

3. Basic Usage

Once Git LFS is installed and configured, you can use it to manage large files:

Add your large files to the repository as you normally would:

git add path/to/largefile.psd

Commit the changes:

git commit -m "Add large PSD file"

Push your changes to the remote repository:

git push origin main

4. Best Practices

To effectively use Git LFS, consider the following best practices:

Track only the files that truly need LFS.
Keep your LFS files organized to avoid confusion.
Regularly clean up old LFS files that are no longer needed.
Monitor LFS storage usage, especially if using a paid service.

5. FAQ

What file types should I use Git LFS for?

Use Git LFS for large binary files such as images, audio, video, and datasets that cannot be efficiently managed with standard Git.

Is there a limit to how many files I can store with Git LFS?

Yes, storage limits depend on the hosting provider. Make sure to check their documentation for specific limits and pricing.

Can I use Git LFS with any Git hosting provider?

Most major Git hosting providers like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket support Git LFS, but it's best to verify with your specific provider.